Utah Tech Triumphs Over Tarleton State in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · Wisdom Gym
Utah Tech Trailblazers 80, 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 Utah Tech Trailblazers vs Tarleton State Texans?
Utah Tech Trailblazers beat Tarleton State Texans 80-72 at Wisdom Gym on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Utah Tech Trailblazers vs Tarleton State Texans?
Tarleton State Texans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The underdog won.
In a compelling matchup at Wisdom Gym, the Utah Tech Trailblazers defeated the Tarleton State Texans with a final score of 80-72. This victory adds to Utah Tech's strong season, improving their record to 18-12, while Tarleton State falls to 14-15. The game showcased the Trailblazers' ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the closing moments, where they maintained composure and converted crucial free throws to seal the win.
Utah Tech entered the game with a recent record of 7-3 over their last ten outings, although they were coming off a loss against UT Arlington Mavericks just prior to this game. Their scoring average in this stretch was 72.2 points per game, while allowing 70.9. The Trailblazers' performance has been characterized by a potent offense, highlighted by their ability to score effectively both at home and on the road, with a home record of 6-1 in their last seven games leading up to this fixture.
On the other hand, Tarleton State has had a mixed bag of results, posting a 3-6-1 record in their last ten games. They have shown improvement recently, winning their last two games against Southern Utah Thunderbirds and Abilene Christian Wildcats. However, their overall scoring average in the same span has been lower, at 56.8 points per game, with an average of 61.8 points allowed. The Texans have struggled to find consistent scoring, particularly against tougher opponents, which was evident in their previous meetings with Utah Tech earlier in the season.
The two teams have faced each other four times in the last two seasons, with Tarleton State winning only once. Their most recent encounter on January 31, 2026, saw Utah Tech emerge victorious with a score of 65-59. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as Tarleton sought to even the score against a familiar rival.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant absences affecting either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this crucial game. This allowed for a competitive atmosphere as both teams sought to assert their dominance on the court.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Texans as slight favorites with a spread of -1.5, indicating a close contest was anticipated. The total points line was set at 140.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring game. The odds also showed a moneyline of -125 for Tarleton State and +105 for Utah Tech, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the matchup.
Conditions during the game were typical for indoor basketball, with no significant external factors impacting play. The atmosphere in Wisdom Gym was charged, with fans supporting their teams, which often plays a crucial role in home-court advantage.
As the game progressed, viewers could observe pivotal moments that defined the outcome. Jusaun Holt was instrumental for Utah Tech, making critical free throws in the final minutes to extend their lead. The Trailblazers maintained a strong defensive presence, forcing turnovers and limiting Tarleton's scoring opportunities. Tarleton State, despite their efforts, struggled to keep pace, particularly in the latter stages of the game, which ultimately led to their defeat.
In summary, the matchup between Utah Tech and Tarleton State was a significant event in the NCAAB landscape, showcasing the competitive spirit and skill of both teams. The Trailblazers' victory not only boosts their record but also adds to the narrative of their season as they aim for a strong finish.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TAR -1.5 | 140.5 o -108 / u -112 | Utah Tech Trailblazers +105 · Tarleton State Texans -125 |
Leaders
- PointsJordan Mizell14Tarleton State Texans
- AssistsJordan Mizell2Tarleton State Texans
- ReboundsJordan Mizell11Tarleton State Texans
- PointsChance Trujillo19Utah Tech Trailblazers
- AssistsJusaun Holt5Utah Tech Trailblazers
- ReboundsChance Trujillo10Utah Tech Trailblazers
Recent form
Tarleton State Texans
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak W256.8 scored · 61.8 allowed per game2-2 at home
- 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
- L71-75at Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 18
Utah Tech Trailblazers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L172.2 scored · 70.9 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- W75-71vs Tarleton State TexansJan 18
- L52-56vs UT Arlington MavericksJan 16
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 | Tarleton State Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-55 | 26-61 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 11-29 | 7-22 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 32 |
| Free throws | 17-20 | 13-15 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 87 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 19 |
| Assists | 16 | 12 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 34 |
| Fouls | 11 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 21 | 68 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-48Chance Trujillo makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jusaun Holt assists)
- 2nd Half43-50Jordan Mizell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-52Jordan Mizell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-52Ethan Potter makes layup (Noah Bolanga assists)
- 2nd Half45-53Freddy Hicks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-54Freddy Hicks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-56Chris Mpaka makes 4-foot dunk (Jordan Mizell assists)
- 2nd Half46-56Ethan Potter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-56Ethan Potter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-56Ethan Potter makes 10-foot jumper (Chance Trujillo assists)
- 2nd Half50-56Ethan Potter makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-58Andy Sigiscar makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half52-58Ethan Potter makes layup (Jusaun Holt assists)
- 2nd Half53-58Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-58Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-58Britton Berrett makes 25-foot three point jumper (Samuel Ariyibi assists)
- 2nd Half57-60Freddy Hicks makes layup (Kaia Isaac assists)
- 2nd Half58-60Samuel Ariyibi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-60Samuel Ariyibi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-60Chance Trujillo makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-60Ethan Potter makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-60Jusaun Holt makes 26-foot three point jumper (Britton Berrett assists)
- 2nd Half69-60Chance Trujillo makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jusaun Holt assists)
- 2nd Half69-62Andy Sigiscar makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half72-62Chance Trujillo makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ethan Potter assists)
- 2nd Half72-63Jordan Mizell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-64Jordan Mizell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-64Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-64Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-66Damion Porter Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-66Britton Berrett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-68Damion Porter Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half76-68Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-68Jusaun Holt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-68Jusaun Holt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-68Samuel Ariyibi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-68Samuel Ariyibi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-70Freddy Hicks makes layup
- 2nd Half80-71Jordan Mizell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-72Jordan Mizell makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Tarleton State Texans, below favours Utah Tech Trailblazers.
Venue
- Wisdom GymStephenville, TX
- Attendance1502
- OfficialsToby Doolittle, Shane Staggs, Bryan Washer
Elsewhere
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- 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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Utah Tech Defeats Tarleton State in Close ContestJan 31, 2026
- Utah Tech Edges Tarleton State in Close ContestJan 17, 2026