Southern Utah Upsets Utah Valley in Thrilling Encounter
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · America First Events Center
Southern Utah Thunderbirds 84, Utah Valley Wolverines 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 Valley Wolverines vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds?
Southern Utah Thunderbirds beat Utah Valley Wolverines 84-70 at America First Events Center on January 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Utah Valley Wolverines vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds?
Utah Valley Wolverines were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -850 (about 89% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds triumphed over the Utah Valley Wolverines with a final score of 84-70. This victory marks a significant achievement for Southern Utah, who had struggled throughout the season with a record of 7-13 prior to this game. The Thunderbirds had been on a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Abilene Christian Wildcats and the Tarleton State Texans, showcasing an average of 76.8 points scored in their last five games. In contrast, Utah Valley, boasting a strong away record of 15-5, came into the match with a recent form of 9-1 and a scoring average of 83.9 points per game.
The game took place at the America First Events Center, where Southern Utah had a home record of 3-1 in their last four games, while Utah Valley struggled with an away record of 1-1 in their last two outings. Historically, Southern Utah had not fared well against Utah Valley, losing all three previous meetings this season and last, including a notable defeat of 89-72 just weeks prior on January 9.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but it is clear that both teams were eager to assert their dominance in this matchup. The betting odds from DraftKings indicated that Utah Valley was favored by 12.5 points, with a total set at 160.5. The Wolverines were given a moneyline of -850, while the Thunderbirds were at +575, reflecting the market's expectation of a Utah Valley victory.
The match conditions were conducive to an exciting game, and viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination from both teams. Southern Utah's ability to score 84 points was particularly noteworthy, as they had been averaging 77.0 points scored and 78.0 points allowed in their last ten games. The Thunderbirds' performance in the second half was crucial, with key plays including a 25-foot three-point jumper by Trevan Leonhardt and a series of free throws by Elijah Duval that helped seal the win.
As the game progressed, Southern Utah capitalized on their home advantage, maintaining a strong offensive presence that ultimately overwhelmed the Wolverines. The Thunderbirds' victory not only boosts their morale but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where any team can emerge victorious on any given night.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVU -12.5 | 160.5 o -108 / u -112 | Utah Valley Wolverines -850 · Southern Utah Thunderbirds +575 |
Leaders
- PointsJaiden Feroah18Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- AssistsElijah Duval6Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- ReboundsIsaiah Cottrell12Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- PointsJackson Holcombe26Utah Valley Wolverines
- AssistsJackson Holcombe4Utah Valley Wolverines
- ReboundsJackson Holcombe13Utah Valley Wolverines
Recent form
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Last 10: 3-7Streak W277 scored · 78 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W74-52vs Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 18
- W106-105vs Tarleton State TexansJan 16
- L55-58at California Baptist LancersJan 11
- L72-89at Utah Valley WolverinesJan 9
- L77-86vs UT Arlington MavericksJan 4
- L66-80at Utah Tech TrailblazersDec 30
- L57-65at Northern Arizona LumberjacksDec 19
- L69-105at Washington HuskiesDec 13
- L70-81at Oregon State BeaversDec 6
- W124-59vs West Coast Baptist EaglesDec 2
Utah Valley Wolverines
Last 10: 9-1Streak W383.9 scored · 70.2 allowed per game1-1 away
- W86-74vs UT Arlington MavericksJan 17
- W92-76vs Utah Tech TrailblazersJan 10
- W89-72vs Southern Utah ThunderbirdsJan 9
- L68-85at Abilene Christian WildcatsJan 3
- 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
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 |
| 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 Valley Wolverines | Southern Utah Thunderbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-70 | 28-55 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 6-26 | 12-23 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 52 |
| Free throws | 12-20 | 16-19 |
| Free throw % | 60 | 84 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 31 |
| Assists | 15 | 17 |
| Steals | 8 | 3 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 30 |
| Fouls | 20 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 15 | 81 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half44-42Noah Taitz makes 22-foot three point jumper (Trevan Leonhardt assists)
- 2nd Half44-43Jalen Lee makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-44Tanner Hayhurst makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-45Tanner Hayhurst makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-45Braden Housley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-48Lorenzo Abellar makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tanner Hayhurst assists)
- 2nd Half45-51Jaiden Feroah makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tanner Hayhurst assists)
- 2nd Half47-51Isaac Hawkins makes 9-foot jumper (Jackson Holcombe assists)
- 2nd Half47-53Jaiden Feroah makes layup (Cale Barclay assists)
- 2nd Half47-55Isaiah Cottrell makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-55Braden Housley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jackson Holcombe assists)
- 2nd Half50-58Jaiden Feroah makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-58Jackson Holcombe makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half54-58Jackson Holcombe makes layup
- 2nd Half54-61Tanner Hayhurst makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaiden Feroah assists)
- 2nd Half55-61Isaac Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-61Isaac Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-63Tanner Hayhurst makes layup (Jaiden Feroah assists)
- 2nd Half58-63Trevan Leonhardt makes layup (Braden Housley assists)
- 2nd Half58-65Isaiah Cottrell makes layup
- 2nd Half58-66Elijah Duval makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-67Elijah Duval makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-67Jackson Holcombe makes 24-foot three point jumper (Braden Housley assists)
- 2nd Half61-70Tanner Hayhurst makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elijah Duval assists)
- 2nd Half61-72Isaiah Cottrell makes layup (Tanner Hayhurst assists)
- 2nd Half61-73Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-74Elijah Duval makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-75Elijah Duval makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-75Jackson Holcombe makes layup
- 2nd Half65-75Jackson Holcombe makes layup
- 2nd Half66-75Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-75Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-75Trevan Leonhardt makes 25-foot three point jumper (Hayden Welling assists)
- 2nd Half70-78Jaiden Feroah makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lorenzo Abellar assists)
- 2nd Half70-79Elijah Duval makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-80Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-81Isaiah Cottrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-82Elijah Duval makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-83Elijah Duval makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-84Elijah Duval makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Southern Utah Thunderbirds, below favours Utah Valley Wolverines.
Venue
- America First Events CenterCedar City, UT
- Attendance1151
- OfficialsDarron George, Ryan Holmes, Chris Hudson
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
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond