Abilene Christian Tops Utah Valley in High-Scoring Affair
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Moody Coliseum (Abilene)
Abilene Christian Wildcats 85, Utah Valley Wolverines 68, 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 Valley Wolverines vs Abilene Christian Wildcats?
Abilene Christian Wildcats beat Utah Valley Wolverines 85-68 at Moody Coliseum (Abilene) on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Utah Valley Wolverines vs Abilene Christian Wildcats?
Utah Valley Wolverines were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -360 (about 78% implied). The underdog won.
In an exciting matchup, the Abilene Christian Wildcats defeated the Utah Valley Wolverines with a final score of 85-68 at Moody Coliseum. This victory marked a significant moment for the Wildcats, who have struggled in their recent encounters with the Wolverines, having lost both previous meetings this season. The Wildcats now improve their home record to 10-6, while the Wolverines drop to 12-5 overall.
The Wildcats entered the game with a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten outings, including a recent loss to Utah Tech Trailblazers just a day prior. Their average scoring during this stretch was 67.1 points per game, while they allowed an average of 72.0 points. In contrast, the Wolverines were riding a seven-game winning streak, boasting a record of 9-1 in their last ten games, with an impressive scoring average of 81.6 points and only allowing 64.0 points per game.
At home, the Wildcats had a record of 3-2 in their last five games, while the Wolverines maintained a perfect 6-0 record in their last five games at home. The Wolverines had also performed well on the road, with a 3-1 record away from home. This fixture was particularly interesting due to the Wildcats' previous struggles against the Wolverines, having lost their last two meetings by scores of 60-73 and 53-64.
In terms of injuries, no specific players were mentioned in the block, suggesting that both teams may have been at full strength for this matchup. The betting market reflected the Wolverines as 7.5-point favorites, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 139.5. The odds indicated a home money line of +285 for the Wildcats and -360 for the Wolverines, showcasing the Wolverines' status as the favored team.
The game conditions were not detailed in the block, but the atmosphere at Moody Coliseum was likely charged as the Wildcats sought to turn their season around against a formidable opponent. Key moments in the game included several scoring plays in the second half that helped the Wildcats maintain their lead. Notable plays featured Jackson Holcombe making a 7-foot jumper, Trevan Leonhardt sinking a 26-foot three-pointer, and Rich Smith contributing with a layup that brought the score to 85-68, solidifying the Wildcats' victory.
Fans watching the game would have noted the Wildcats' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage, as well as their offensive efficiency in the second half, where they outscored the Wolverines significantly. The Wildcats' performance in this game may serve as a turning point, providing them with momentum as they look to build on this victory in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVU -7.5 | 139.5 o -110 / u -110 | Utah Valley Wolverines -360 · Abilene Christian Wildcats +285 |
Leaders
- PointsBradyn Hubbard22Abilene Christian Wildcats
- AssistsRich Smith7Abilene Christian Wildcats
- ReboundsBradyn Hubbard10Abilene Christian Wildcats
- PointsTyler Hendricks15Utah Valley Wolverines
- AssistsJackson Holcombe6Utah Valley Wolverines
- ReboundsHayden Welling6Utah Valley Wolverines
Recent form
Abilene Christian Wildcats
Last 10: 5-5Streak L167.1 scored · 72 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L64-79vs Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 2
- 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
Utah Valley Wolverines
Last 10: 9-1Streak W781.6 scored · 64 allowed per game3-1 away
- W91-85at Tarleton State TexansJan 2
- W73-66vs California Baptist LancersDec 30
- W109-48vs Bethesda FlamesDec 20
- W90-74vs Weber State WildcatsDec 18
- W68-53vs UC Santa Barbara GauchosDec 13
- W73-69vs Idaho State BengalsDec 11
- W82-71at Bowling Green FalconsDec 6
- L66-77at San Diego State AztecsDec 4
- W89-45vs Samford BulldogsNov 26
- W75-52at South Dakota State JackrabbitsNov 25
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 Valley Wolverines | Abilene Christian Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-47 | 34-63 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 8-19 | 5-13 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 38 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 12-13 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 92 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 18 |
| Assists | 18 | 20 |
| Steals | 6 | 13 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 22 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 46 |
| Fouls | 16 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 21 | 74 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half37-41Hayden Welling makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-41Hayden Welling makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-43Rich Smith makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-43Tyler Hendricks makes layup
- 2nd Half40-45Joseph Venzant makes layup (Bradyn Hubbard assists)
- 2nd Half41-45Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-45Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-47Cbo Newton makes layup
- 2nd Half42-49Cbo Newton makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half44-49Isaac Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half45-49Isaac Davis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-51Bradyn Hubbard makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-53Bradyn Hubbard makes layup
- 2nd Half46-53Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-53Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-53Hayden Welling makes 0-foot dunk (Isaac Hawkins assists)
- 2nd Half49-55Bradyn Hubbard makes 14-foot jumper (Ma'Shy Hill assists)
- 2nd Half51-55Hayden Welling makes layup
- 2nd Half51-58Zy Wright makes 23-foot three point jumper (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half51-60Ma'Shy Hill makes layup (Bradyn Hubbard assists)
- 2nd Half51-62Joseph Venzant makes layup (Joseph Scott assists)
- 2nd Half51-64Joseph Scott makes layup (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half54-64Noah Taitz makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jackson Holcombe assists)
- 2nd Half54-67Joseph Venzant makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cade Hornecker assists)
- 2nd Half54-70Zy Wright makes 24-foot three point jumper (Yaniel Rivera assists)
- 2nd Half57-70Tyler Hendricks makes 25-foot three point jumper (Noah Taitz assists)
- 2nd Half57-72Rich Smith makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-72Tyler Hendricks makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half59-74Joseph Venzant makes layup (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half59-76Cade Hornecker makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot (Bradyn Hubbard assists)
- 2nd Half59-77Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-78Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-78Jackson Holcombe makes 7-foot jumper (Tyler Hendricks assists)
- 2nd Half64-78Trevan Leonhardt makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jackson Holcombe assists)
- 2nd Half64-80Joseph Scott makes 14-foot jumper (Rich Smith assists)
- 2nd Half66-80Trevan Leonhardt makes layup
- 2nd Half66-82Bradyn Hubbard makes layup
- 2nd Half66-83Bradyn Hubbard makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-83Joul Karram makes 2-foot dunk (Braden Housley assists)
- 2nd Half68-85Rich Smith makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Abilene Christian Wildcats, below favours Utah Valley Wolverines.
Venue
- Moody Coliseum (Abilene)Abilene, TX
- Attendance958
- OfficialsNomi Kidwai, Randal Anders, Wesley Ford
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