Utah Tech Triumphs Over Abilene Christian in NCAAB Clash
Thursday, January 1, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Moody Coliseum (Abilene)
Utah Tech Trailblazers 79, Abilene Christian Wildcats 64, 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 Utah Tech Trailblazers vs Abilene Christian Wildcats?
Utah Tech Trailblazers beat Abilene Christian Wildcats 79-64 at Moody Coliseum (Abilene) on January 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Utah Tech Trailblazers vs Abilene Christian Wildcats?
Abilene Christian Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup, the Utah Tech Trailblazers defeated the Abilene Christian Wildcats with a final score of 79-64. This victory marks Utah Tech's continued success against Abilene Christian, extending their head-to-head record to 3-0 in the current season, following earlier wins on February 7 and February 23, 2025, with scores of 86-72 and 80-72 respectively.
Entering this game, Abilene Christian had a home record of 8-6, while Utah Tech boasted a slightly better away record of 9-7. The Wildcats had shown mixed form recently, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and an average of 67.3 points scored per game, while allowing 71.7 points. In contrast, the Trailblazers were riding a wave of momentum, having won six of their last ten games, averaging 77.9 points scored and allowing 70.4 points.
Abilene Christian's recent performance included a win against Texas Southern Tigers (75-68) but was marred by losses to BYU Cougars (67-85) and Arizona Wildcats (62-96). Their last five games reflected a record of 3-2, with an average of 70.4 points scored and 76.2 points allowed. At home, they had a record of 3-1 in their last four games, showing some resilience despite their overall inconsistency.
On the other hand, Utah Tech's recent form included a strong win against Southern Utah Thunderbirds (80-66) and a close victory against Weber State Wildcats (82-80). Their last five games also showed a record of 3-2, with an impressive scoring average of 80.0 points and allowing 75.2 points. Utah Tech had a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while their away record stood at 2-3, indicating they were capable of performing well on the road.
The game took place at Moody Coliseum in Abilene, where the Wildcats had hoped to leverage their home advantage. However, Utah Tech's performance proved too strong. The Trailblazers were favored by the betting lines, with DraftKings listing them at -5.5, indicating expectations of a competitive matchup. The total points line was set at 139.5, reflecting a belief in a moderately high-scoring game.
In terms of player contributions, Joseph Scott was pivotal for Utah Tech, making key plays throughout the game, including a layup that extended the Trailblazers' lead to 74-53 in the second half. Rich Smith also made significant contributions with multiple layups, helping to maintain their lead. Abilene Christian's Isaac Dye attempted to close the gap with a three-point jumper, but it was not enough to turn the tide.
The conditions for the game were typical for a winter evening in Texas, with fans filling the stands at Moody Coliseum, eager to support their team. However, the Wildcats could not find their rhythm against a well-organized Utah Tech squad.
Overall, this game showcased Utah Tech's ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities and maintain control throughout, while Abilene Christian struggled to keep pace. The Trailblazers' victory not only boosts their confidence but also solidifies their standing in the league as they continue their pursuit of a successful season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ACU -5.5 | 139.5 o -110 / u -110 | Utah Tech Trailblazers +190 · Abilene Christian Wildcats -230 |
Leaders
- PointsRich Smith22Abilene Christian Wildcats
- AssistsRich Smith6Abilene Christian Wildcats
- ReboundsJoseph Scott7Abilene Christian Wildcats
- PointsChance Trujillo19Utah Tech Trailblazers
- AssistsTanner Davis5Utah Tech Trailblazers
- ReboundsNoah Bolanga10Utah Tech Trailblazers
Recent form
Abilene Christian Wildcats
Last 10: 5-5Streak W167.3 scored · 71.7 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W75-68at Texas Southern TigersDec 22
- L67-85at BYU CougarsDec 20
- L62-96at Arizona WildcatsDec 17
- W77-69vs New Mexico State AggiesDec 6
- W71-63at Pepperdine WavesDec 3
- W87-55vs Jarvis Christian BulldogsNov 28
- L58-92vs William & Mary TribeNov 25
- W61-50vs UTSA RoadrunnersNov 25
- L49-63at Texas State BobcatsNov 19
- L66-76at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksNov 15
Utah Tech Trailblazers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W177.9 scored · 70.4 allowed per game2-3 away
- W80-66vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsDec 30
- L69-92at Creighton BluejaysDec 23
- W82-80at Weber State WildcatsDec 21
- W89-48vs Justice LionsDec 14
- L80-90at Santa Clara BroncosDec 4
- W77-69vs UC Riverside HighlandersNov 29
- L63-68vs Portland State VikingsNov 26
- W96-48vs Nobel KnightsNov 22
- L62-68at Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsNov 16
- W81-75at Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsNov 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State | 20-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Montana State | 18-14 | 1 | 12-6 |
| Eastern Washington | 14-19 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Northern Colorado | 20-12 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Montana | 18-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Weber State | 16-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Idaho | 21-15 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Sacramento State | 10-21 | 8 | 6-12 |
| Idaho State | 13-20 | 8 | 5-13 |
| Northern Arizona | 10-22 | 9 | 4-14 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Utah Tech Trailblazers | Abilene Christian Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-50 | 24-50 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 12-27 | 3-17 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 18 |
| Free throws | 11-12 | 13-19 |
| Free throw % | 92 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 16 |
| Assists | 19 | 12 |
| Steals | 12 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 19 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 40 |
| Fouls | 14 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 25 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 83 | 12 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-26Ethan Potter makes 15-foot jumper (Noah Bolanga assists)
- 2nd Half45-28Joseph Scott makes layup
- 2nd Half45-29Joseph Scott makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half48-29Jusaun Holt makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tanner Davis assists)
- 2nd Half50-29Tanner Davis makes 1-foot dunk (Jusaun Holt assists)
- 2nd Half50-31Rich Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half50-32Rich Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-33Rich Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-33Chance Trujillo makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dario Domingos assists)
- 2nd Half53-35Cade Hornecker makes 2-foot dunk (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half56-35Chance Trujillo makes 24-foot three point jumper (Britton Berrett assists)
- 2nd Half56-36Rich Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-36Noah Bolanga makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half60-36Chance Trujillo makes layup
- 2nd Half60-38Rich Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half63-38Britton Berrett makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tanner Davis assists)
- 2nd Half63-40Bradyn Hubbard makes layup
- 2nd Half65-40Britton Berrett makes layup (Ethan Potter assists)
- 2nd Half65-42Joseph Venzant makes layup (Bradyn Hubbard assists)
- 2nd Half65-43Rich Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-43Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-43Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-45Rich Smith makes layup (Yaniel Rivera assists)
- 2nd Half68-45Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half69-45Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half70-45Jusaun Holt makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half70-46Rich Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-47Rich Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-47Tanner Davis makes layup (Samuel Ariyibi assists)
- 2nd Half72-49Joseph Scott makes layup
- 2nd Half74-49Britton Berrett makes layup (Samuel Ariyibi assists)
- 2nd Half74-51Zy Wright makes layup (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half74-53Joseph Scott makes layup
- 2nd Half74-55Rich Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half74-57Joseph Scott makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half74-59Zy Wright makes layup
- 2nd Half77-59Jusaun Holt makes 23-foot three point jumper (Noah Bolanga assists)
- 2nd Half77-62Isaac Dye makes 22-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half79-62Chance Trujillo makes layup (Noah Bolanga assists)
- 2nd Half79-64Rich Smith makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Abilene Christian Wildcats, below favours Utah Tech Trailblazers.
Venue
- Moody Coliseum (Abilene)Abilene, TX
- Attendance718
- OfficialsChris Hudson, Chance Wallesen, Grant Jeffres
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