Utah Tech Triumphs Over Abilene Christian in Close Contest
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Moody Coliseum (Abilene)
Utah Tech Trailblazers 76, Abilene Christian Wildcats 70, 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 76-70 at Moody Coliseum (Abilene) on January 29, 2026.
Who was favored in Utah Tech Trailblazers vs Abilene Christian Wildcats?
Abilene Christian Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Utah Tech Trailblazers defeated the Abilene Christian Wildcats 76-70 at Moody Coliseum. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Utah Tech having previously secured a victory on January 2, winning 79-64. The Trailblazers have now improved their head-to-head record against the Wildcats to 3-1 over the past two seasons.
The Wildcats entered the game with a home record of 10-10, struggling recently with a record of 3-6-1 over their last ten games. They averaged 61.9 points scored while allowing 70.6 points in that span. Their last five games saw them average just 53.2 points, indicating a significant drop in offensive production. In contrast, Utah Tech came in with a record of 12-11 and had been more consistent, posting a 5-5 record in their last ten games, averaging 75.1 points scored and allowing 76.9 points.
At home, Abilene Christian had a record of 1-2 in their last three games, while Utah Tech had a stronger away record of 2-4. The Trailblazers were riding a one-game winning streak after a high-scoring victory against Southern Utah, where they won 102-91. This recent form seemed to give them the edge they needed in this matchup.
In terms of injuries, no specific players were mentioned in the block, suggesting both teams may have been at full strength for this encounter. The market had Abilene Christian as 3.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 145.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, with the home team expected to perform well, but ultimately, Utah Tech's performance defied those expectations.
The game conditions were typical for a college basketball setting, with both teams showcasing their strategies and skills in front of the home crowd. Utah Tech's ability to execute down the stretch proved crucial, as they maintained their composure in the final minutes. Key moments included Ethan Potter making crucial free throws that extended their lead, and Cbo Newton hitting a significant three-pointer that helped Utah Tech pull away late in the game.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of skillful play from both sides. Rich Smith's contributions for Utah Tech, including layups that kept the pressure on Abilene Christian, were instrumental in their victory. The Wildcats fought hard, but their inability to convert in critical moments ultimately led to their defeat.
This matchup not only highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball but also the ongoing rivalry between these two programs, setting the stage for future encounters.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ACU -3.5 | 145.5 o -110 / u -110 | Utah Tech Trailblazers +136 · Abilene Christian Wildcats -162 |
Leaders
- PointsYaniel Rivera18Abilene Christian Wildcats
- AssistsRich Smith5Abilene Christian Wildcats
- ReboundsBradyn Hubbard8Abilene Christian Wildcats
- PointsEthan Potter16Utah Tech Trailblazers
- AssistsChance Trujillo4Utah Tech Trailblazers
- ReboundsEthan Potter8Utah Tech Trailblazers
Recent form
Abilene Christian Wildcats
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak D161.9 scored · 70.6 allowed per game1-2 at home
- D0-0at Tarleton State TexansJan 27
- L52-74at Southern Utah ThunderbirdsJan 18
- L58-74vs California Baptist LancersJan 16
- L72-82at UT Arlington MavericksJan 10
- W84-80at Tarleton State TexansJan 9
- W85-68vs Utah Valley WolverinesJan 3
- L64-79vs Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 2
- W75-68at Texas Southern TigersDec 22
- L67-85at BYU CougarsDec 20
- L62-96at Arizona WildcatsDec 17
Utah Tech Trailblazers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W175.1 scored · 76.9 allowed per game2-4 away
- W102-91vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsJan 25
- L64-73at California Baptist LancersJan 22
- W75-71vs Tarleton State TexansJan 18
- L52-56vs UT Arlington MavericksJan 16
- L76-92at Utah Valley WolverinesJan 10
- L72-84at California Baptist LancersJan 9
- W79-64at Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 2
- W80-66vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsDec 30
- L69-92at Creighton BluejaysDec 23
- W82-80at Weber State WildcatsDec 21
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 | 24-49 | 26-60 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 8-17 | 10-24 |
| Three-point % | 47 | 42 |
| Free throws | 20-30 | 8-15 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 53 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 20 |
| Assists | 13 | 16 |
| Steals | 9 | 14 |
| Blocks | 1 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 21 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 28 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 25 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 30 |
| Fouls | 13 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half44-38Bradyn Hubbard makes 24-foot three point jumper (Joseph Venzant assists)
- 2nd Half44-41Yaniel Rivera makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half47-41Jusaun Holt makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chance Trujillo assists)
- 2nd Half49-41Samuel Ariyibi makes layup (Chance Trujillo assists)
- 2nd Half51-41Jusaun Holt makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-41Dario Domingos makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-41Dario Domingos makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-41Dario Domingos makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-43Yaniel Rivera makes 2-foot dunk (Bradyn Hubbard assists)
- 2nd Half54-45Ma'Shy Hill makes 7-foot hook shot (Bradyn Hubbard assists)
- 2nd Half54-47Cbo Newton makes 3-foot dunk (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half54-50Cbo Newton makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half55-50Chance Trujillo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-50Jusaun Holt makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half60-50Chance Trujillo makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-50Dario Domingos makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-50Dario Domingos makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-50Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-50Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-53Yaniel Rivera makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half65-53Tanner Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-54Yaniel Rivera makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-55Yaniel Rivera makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-57Rich Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half65-59Cbo Newton makes 2-foot dunk (Yaniel Rivera assists)
- 2nd Half67-59Ethan Potter makes 1-foot dunk (Noah Bolanga assists)
- 2nd Half68-59Britton Berrett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-59Britton Berrett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-61Cbo Newton makes layup
- 2nd Half70-61Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-61Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-63Yaniel Rivera makes layup (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half72-63Ethan Potter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-63Ethan Potter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-66Cbo Newton makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half73-68Rich Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half74-68Chance Trujillo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-68Chance Trujillo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-70Rich Smith makes layup
- 2nd Half76-70Noah Bolanga makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Abilene Christian Wildcats, below favours Utah Tech Trailblazers.
Venue
- Moody Coliseum (Abilene)Abilene, TX
- Attendance1261
- OfficialsJohn St. Clair, John Hampton, Chris Pacsi
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