Utah Valley Tops Tarleton State in Close Contest
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · UCCU Center
Utah Valley Wolverines 79, Tarleton State Texans 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Tarleton State Texans vs Utah Valley Wolverines?
Utah Valley Wolverines beat Tarleton State Texans 79-72 at UCCU Center on February 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Tarleton State Texans vs Utah Valley Wolverines?
Utah Valley Wolverines were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -2100 (about 95% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Utah Valley Wolverines emerged victorious over the Tarleton State Texans with a final score of 79-72. This game showcased the Wolverines' strong home performance as they improved their overall record to 22-7, while the Texans fell to 14-16 on the season.
Utah Valley entered the game with a solid home record of 21-7 and had been performing well lately, boasting a 7-3 record over their last ten games. They were on a two-game winning streak, averaging 75.9 points scored while allowing 66.3 points per game. Their recent form included victories against teams like UT Arlington and California Baptist, and they had previously defeated Tarleton State 83-55 in their last encounter on January 30, 2026.
On the other hand, Tarleton State had struggled throughout the season with a record of 14-15. Their recent form showed a 3-6-1 record over their last ten games, including a loss in their most recent outing against Utah Tech. The Texans averaged 56.9 points scored and allowed 62.3 points during this stretch, indicating their difficulties in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game.
The game took place at the UCCU Center, where Utah Valley has been particularly strong, holding a perfect home record of 5-0 in their last five games. Conversely, Tarleton State had a less favorable away record of 1-3 in their last four games. The Wolverines' home-court advantage was reflected in the betting lines, with DraftKings listing Utah Valley as 17.5-point favorites, indicating strong confidence in their ability to secure a win.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, Utah Valley has dominated Tarleton State recently, winning all four of their last meetings, including three in the current season. These victories included a notable 91-85 win earlier in January, showcasing their consistent ability to outperform the Texans.
Injury reports did not indicate any major absences affecting either team for this game, allowing both squads to field their best players. This played a crucial role in maintaining the competitive nature of the game.
The conditions for the game were favorable, with both teams prepared for a high-stakes matchup. Viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination as the Wolverines sought to extend their winning streak while the Texans aimed to turn their fortunes around.
As the game unfolded, Utah Valley maintained a slight lead throughout, with key contributions from players like Isaac Davis and Jackson Holcombe. The second half saw intense scoring exchanges, with both teams making significant plays. Braden Housley and Ocypher Owens made crucial layups for Tarleton State, but Utah Valley's consistent free-throw shooting, particularly from Holcombe, helped them secure the win.
Overall, the matchup highlighted Utah Valley's strength as a home team and their ability to execute under pressure, while Tarleton State's struggles continued as they seek to find their rhythm in the closing games of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVU -17.5 | 141.5 o -115 / u -105 | Tarleton State Texans +1100 · Utah Valley Wolverines -2100 |
Leaders
- PointsIsaac Davis24Utah Valley Wolverines
- AssistsTyler Hendricks4Utah Valley Wolverines
- ReboundsJackson Holcombe9Utah Valley Wolverines
- PointsDior Johnson23Tarleton State Texans
- AssistsDior Johnson4Tarleton State Texans
- ReboundsOcypher Owens13Tarleton State Texans
Recent form
Utah Valley Wolverines
Last 10: 7-3Streak W275.9 scored · 66.3 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W66-54at UT Arlington MavericksFeb 21
- W65-46vs California Baptist LancersFeb 20
- L77-81at Utah Tech TrailblazersFeb 13
- W81-60vs UT Arlington MavericksFeb 7
- W68-55vs Abilene Christian WildcatsFeb 6
- W83-55at Tarleton State TexansJan 30
- L71-78at California Baptist LancersJan 25
- L70-84at Southern Utah ThunderbirdsJan 22
- W86-74vs UT Arlington MavericksJan 17
- W92-76vs Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 10
Tarleton State Texans
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak L156.9 scored · 62.3 allowed per game1-3 away
- L72-80vs Utah Tech TrailblazersFeb 21
- W78-74vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsFeb 20
- W65-62vs Abilene Christian WildcatsFeb 17
- L59-73at Abilene Christian WildcatsFeb 14
- W62-59at Southern Utah ThunderbirdsFeb 8
- L55-56at California Baptist LancersFeb 6
- L59-65vs Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 31
- L55-83vs Utah Valley WolverinesJan 30
- D0-0vs Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 27
- L64-71at UT Arlington MavericksJan 22
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Valley | 25-9 | - | 14-4 |
| California Baptist | 25-9 | 1 | 13-5 |
| Utah Tech | 19-15 | 2 | 11-7 |
| UT Arlington | 18-14 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Southern Utah | 10-22 | 7 | 6-12 |
| Tarleton State | 14-18 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Abilene Christian | 14-19 | 9 | 5-13 |
| UC Irvine | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Hawai'i | 24-9 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UC San Diego | 23-11 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Northridge | 20-14 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 18-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| UC Davis | 19-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 18-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Cal Poly | 14-19 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Long Beach State | 10-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| UC Riverside | 10-22 | 10 | 5-15 |
| Cal State Bakersfield | 8-24 | 13 | 2-18 |
Box score
| Stat | Tarleton State Texans | Utah Valley Wolverines |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-66 | 28-56 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 8-15 | 4-16 |
| Three-point % | 53 | 25 |
| Free throws | 10-16 | 19-28 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 27 |
| Assists | 17 | 19 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 44 |
| Fouls | 19 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 2 | 85 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-45Dior Johnson makes 23-foot three point jumper (DJ Dormu assists)
- 2nd Half38-45Kaia Isaac makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dior Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half40-45DJ Dormu makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-46Hayden Welling makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-46Freddy Hicks makes layup (Dior Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half45-46Kaia Isaac makes 23-foot three point jumper (DJ Dormu assists)
- 2nd Half45-49Sherman Weatherspoon IV makes 22-foot three point jumper (Trevan Leonhardt assists)
- 2nd Half48-49Kaia Isaac makes 23-foot three point jumper (Freddy Hicks assists)
- 2nd Half48-51Jackson Holcombe makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-51Dior Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-51Dior Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-53Jackson Holcombe makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-54Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-54Dior Johnson makes layup (Jordan Mizell assists)
- 2nd Half52-56Isaac Davis makes layup (Isaac Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half52-59Isaac Davis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trevan Leonhardt assists)
- 2nd Half54-59Dior Johnson makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half54-61Isaac Davis makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half56-61Dior Johnson makes driving layup (Jordan Mizell assists)
- 2nd Half59-61Dior Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (DJ Dormu assists)
- 2nd Half61-61DJ Dormu makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half61-63Tyler Hendricks makes 11-foot floating jump shot (Braden Housley assists)
- 2nd Half61-64Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-64Andy Sigiscar makes driving layup (Ocypher Owens assists)
- 2nd Half63-66Tyler Hendricks makes layup
- 2nd Half63-68Tyler Hendricks makes layup (Jackson Holcombe assists)
- 2nd Half64-68Jordan Mizell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-68Jordan Mizell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-68Dior Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half67-69Tyler Hendricks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-70Tyler Hendricks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-72Isaac Davis makes layup (Trevan Leonhardt assists)
- 2nd Half67-74Braden Housley makes layup (Isaac Davis assists)
- 2nd Half69-74Ocypher Owens makes layup (Jordan Mizell assists)
- 2nd Half69-76Isaac Davis makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half70-76Dior Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-77Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-78Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-78Jordan Mizell makes layup
- 2nd Half72-79Sherman Weatherspoon IV makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Utah Valley Wolverines, below favours Tarleton State Texans.
Venue
- UCCU CenterOrem, UT
- Attendance2355
- OfficialsShawn Lehigh, Tony Padilla, Kipp Kissinger
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond