Southern Utah Triumphs Over Utah Tech in Strong Finish
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · America First Events Center
Southern Utah Thunderbirds 81, Utah Tech Trailblazers 67, 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 Southern Utah Thunderbirds?
Southern Utah Thunderbirds beat Utah Tech Trailblazers 81-67 at America First Events Center on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Utah Tech Trailblazers vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds?
Utah Tech Trailblazers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In an impressive display of basketball, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds defeated the Utah Tech Trailblazers with a final score of 81-67. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Southern Utah, who had been struggling recently, with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games leading up to this match. The Thunderbirds had suffered two consecutive losses prior to this game, averaging 72.0 points scored and allowing 76.6 points per game in their last five outings. Their home record stood at 2-2, while their away record was 2-4, indicating a need for a strong performance at the America First Events Center.
On the other hand, Utah Tech entered the game with a much more favorable recent form, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games. They had won their last two matches, averaging 76.0 points scored and allowing 73.5 points per game during that stretch. Their away record was 3-2, which suggested they were capable of performing well outside their home venue. However, the Trailblazers had previously faced Southern Utah earlier in the season, losing 102-91 in their last meeting on January 25, 2026.
The odds for this matchup were provided by DraftKings, with Utah Tech favored by 1.5 points and a total set at 156.5. The betting lines reflected the Trailblazers' stronger season record of 18-13 compared to Southern Utah's 10-19. Despite the odds, Southern Utah's performance would defy expectations.
The game was played under standard conditions for a college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to secure a crucial win. Southern Utah took control in the second half, showcasing their offensive prowess. Notable scoring plays included Tanner Hayhurst's layup assisted by Isaiah Cottrell, which helped extend the Thunderbirds' lead. Logan Stephens also contributed with a layup, while Chance Trujillo made a significant impact with a 23-foot three-point jumper, keeping the momentum in Southern Utah's favor.
As the game progressed, the Thunderbirds demonstrated their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with Kai Burdick hitting a 24-foot three-point jumper that brought the score to 81-65, solidifying their lead. Utah Tech struggled to keep pace, ultimately falling short in their efforts to mount a comeback.
In terms of injury updates, the block did not provide specific details on player availability for either team, which could have influenced the game’s outcome. However, the performance of Southern Utah's key players, particularly in the second half, was critical in securing their victory.
This win for Southern Utah was not only a boost for their confidence but also a vital step in their season as they look to build on this momentum. The Thunderbirds will hope to carry this performance into their upcoming games, while Utah Tech will need to regroup and address the issues that led to their defeat.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UTU -1.5 | 156.5 o -108 / u -112 | Utah Tech Trailblazers -130 · Southern Utah Thunderbirds +110 |
Leaders
- PointsTanner Hayhurst25Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- AssistsElijah Duval4Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- ReboundsJaiden Feroah14Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- PointsJusaun Holt28Utah Tech Trailblazers
- AssistsEthan Potter3Utah Tech Trailblazers
- ReboundsEthan Potter8Utah Tech Trailblazers
Recent form
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Last 10: 4-6Streak L274.9 scored · 76.3 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L83-87at Abilene Christian WildcatsFeb 21
- L74-78at Tarleton State TexansFeb 20
- W78-73at UT Arlington MavericksFeb 14
- L66-83vs California Baptist LancersFeb 13
- L59-62vs Tarleton State TexansFeb 8
- W79-76at Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 31
- L61-80at UT Arlington MavericksJan 30
- L91-102at Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 25
- W84-70vs Utah Valley WolverinesJan 22
- W74-52vs Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 18
Utah Tech Trailblazers
Last 10: 8-2Streak W276 scored · 73.5 allowed per game3-2 away
- W85-81vs Abilene Christian WildcatsFeb 27
- W80-72at Tarleton State TexansFeb 21
- L50-63at UT Arlington MavericksFeb 20
- W70-65vs California Baptist LancersFeb 15
- W81-77vs Utah Valley WolverinesFeb 13
- W87-84vs UT Arlington MavericksFeb 6
- W65-59at Tarleton State TexansJan 31
- W76-70at Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 30
- W102-91vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsJan 25
- L64-73at California Baptist LancersJan 22
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 |
Box score
| Stat | Utah Tech Trailblazers | Southern Utah Thunderbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-54 | 29-61 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 9-18 | 7-24 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 29 |
| Free throws | 10-12 | 16-23 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 26 |
| Assists | 9 | 17 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 36 |
| Fouls | 17 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 35 | 61 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half33-39Lorenzo Abellar makes 15-foot jumper
- 1st Half35-39Jusaun Holt makes layup
- 1st Half35-42Tanner Hayhurst makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lorenzo Abellar assists)
- 1st Half38-42Noah Bolanga makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ethan Potter assists)
- 2nd Half38-44Elijah Duval makes layup
- 2nd Half38-47Jaiden Feroah makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half38-50Tanner Hayhurst makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Cottrell assists)
- 2nd Half39-50Britton Berrett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-50Britton Berrett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-50Jusaun Holt makes layup
- 2nd Half42-52Kai Burdick makes 4-foot dunk (Elijah Duval assists)
- 2nd Half44-52Noah Bolanga makes layup
- 2nd Half44-53Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-54Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-54Jusaun Holt makes layup
- 2nd Half46-56Jaiden Feroah makes 12-foot jumper (Lorenzo Abellar assists)
- 2nd Half48-56Samuel Ariyibi makes layup (Tanner Davis assists)
- 2nd Half48-57Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-57Chance Trujillo makes 25-foot three point jumper (Noah Bolanga assists)
- 2nd Half51-58Elijah Duval makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-59Elijah Duval makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-59Jusaun Holt makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ethan Potter assists)
- 2nd Half54-61Elijah Duval makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half54-63Jaiden Feroah makes layup (Kai Burdick assists)
- 2nd Half55-63Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-63Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-65Elijah Duval makes 3-foot dunk (Jaiden Feroah assists)
- 2nd Half59-65Jusaun Holt makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chance Trujillo assists)
- 2nd Half59-67Jaiden Feroah makes layup
- 2nd Half59-68Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-69Jaiden Feroah makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-70Logan Stephens makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-72Tanner Hayhurst makes layup (Isaiah Cottrell assists)
- 2nd Half59-74Logan Stephens makes layup
- 2nd Half62-74Chance Trujillo makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tanner Davis assists)
- 2nd Half62-76Tanner Hayhurst makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-76Chance Trujillo makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half65-78Jaiden Feroah makes layup (Elijah Duval assists)
- 2nd Half65-81Kai Burdick makes 24-foot three point jumper (Logan Stephens assists)
- 2nd Half67-81Samuel Ariyibi makes 0-foot tip in layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Southern Utah Thunderbirds, below favours Utah Tech Trailblazers.
Venue
- America First Events CenterCedar City, UT
- Attendance2231
- OfficialsChris Hudson, Ray Ames, Jacob Hirz
Elsewhere
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- 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
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