Utah Valley Tops Tarleton State in Close Contest
Thursday, January 1, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Wisdom Gym
Utah Valley Wolverines 91, Tarleton State Texans 85, 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 Tarleton State Texans?
Utah Valley Wolverines beat Tarleton State Texans 91-85 at Wisdom Gym on January 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Utah Valley Wolverines vs Tarleton State Texans?
Utah Valley Wolverines were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at Wisdom Gym, the Utah Valley Wolverines edged out the Tarleton State Texans with a final score of 91-85. This game was notable as it marked the third meeting between these two teams, with Utah Valley continuing its dominance, having won all previous encounters this season.
Both teams entered the game with strong recent performances. The Texans boasted a home record of 10-5 and were riding a five-game winning streak, with an impressive average of 89.4 points scored and only 59.6 points allowed in their last five games. Their recent victories included a decisive 119-54 win against Howard Payne and a solid 93-63 victory over Cameron. Tarleton State's home performance has been particularly strong, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record at home in their last five games.
On the other side, the Wolverines came into the game with a 12-3 overall record and a six-game winning streak, averaging 82.6 points scored and 62.0 points allowed in their last five outings. Their recent form included a commanding 109-48 win against Bethesda and a close 73-66 victory over California Baptist. Utah Valley has also performed well away from home, holding a 2-1 record in away games this season.
The matchup was highly anticipated, especially considering the betting odds provided by DraftKings, which favored Utah Valley with a spread of 5.5 points and a moneyline of -250. The total points over/under was set at 144.5, indicating expectations of a competitive and high-scoring game.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing the offensive prowess of both teams. Tarleton State managed to keep pace with Utah Valley throughout the contest, but ultimately fell short in the final moments. Key scoring plays in the second half included several free throws from Trevan Leonhardt, who played a crucial role in sealing the victory for the Wolverines. His ability to convert from the charity stripe was pivotal, as he made multiple free throws that extended Utah Valley's lead when it mattered most.
In terms of injuries, there were no significant updates affecting either team leading into the game, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. This contributed to the high level of play and competitiveness seen throughout the match.
The conditions in Wisdom Gym were conducive to an exciting game, with a lively crowd that added to the atmosphere. Fans witnessed a display of skill and determination from both sides, making it a memorable encounter in the NCAAB season.
As the game concluded, Tarleton State's chances of winning diminished, reflected in their 0% win probability at the final whistle. Despite the loss, the Texans showed resilience and will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures, while Utah Valley continues to build momentum as they maintain their winning streak.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVU -5.5 | 144.5 o -108 / u -112 | Utah Valley Wolverines -250 · Tarleton State Texans +205 |
Leaders
- PointsDior Johnson36Tarleton State Texans
- AssistsCam McDowell3Tarleton State Texans
- ReboundsFreddy Hicks10Tarleton State Texans
- PointsJackson Holcombe22Utah Valley Wolverines
- AssistsTrevan Leonhardt5Utah Valley Wolverines
- ReboundsIsaac Hawkins9Utah Valley Wolverines
Recent form
Tarleton State Texans
Last 10: 8-2Streak W582 scored · 65.3 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W69-63at UT Arlington MavericksDec 30
- W78-54vs Florida A&M RattlersDec 20
- W88-64at Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsDec 17
- W93-63vs Cameron AggiesDec 7
- W119-54vs Howard Payne Yellow JacketsDec 4
- L58-76at Cincinnati BearcatsDec 2
- W67-57vs Midwestern State MustangsNov 28
- W90-74at Rice OwlsNov 21
- W77-54vs Angelo State RamsNov 18
- L81-94at Baylor BearsNov 15
Utah Valley Wolverines
Last 10: 9-1Streak W680.4 scored · 62.7 allowed per game2-1 away
- 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
- W79-72vs UC Irvine AnteatersNov 20
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 | Tarleton State Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-53 | 26-62 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 6-18 | 5-18 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 28 |
| Free throws | 27-36 | 28-32 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 28 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 18 |
| Assists | 14 | 10 |
| Steals | 4 | 11 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 34 |
| Fouls | 24 | 26 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 66 | 26 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half61-59Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-59Jackson Holcombe makes 2-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half65-59Isaac Hawkins makes layup (Jackson Holcombe assists)
- 2nd Half66-59Isaac Hawkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-59Isaac Hawkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-62Kade Douglas makes 25-foot three point jumper (Freddy Hicks assists)
- 2nd Half67-64Dior Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-64Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-64Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-66Cam McDowell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-66Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-66Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-66Jackson Holcombe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-68Freddy Hicks makes layup
- 2nd Half72-69Leroy Kelly IV makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-70Leroy Kelly IV makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-71Dior Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-72Dior Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-72Jackson Holcombe makes driving layup
- 2nd Half77-72Tyler Hendricks makes 23-foot three point jumper (Trevan Leonhardt assists)
- 2nd Half77-73Cam McDowell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-74Cam McDowell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-74Hayden Welling makes layup (Braden Housley assists)
- 2nd Half80-74Braden Housley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-75Dior Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-76Dior Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-76Hayden Welling makes driving layup (Jackson Holcombe assists)
- 2nd Half82-77Cam McDowell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-78Cam McDowell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-80Cam McDowell makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half84-80Braden Housley makes layup (Noah Taitz assists)
- 2nd Half84-83Dior Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kade Douglas assists)
- 2nd Half85-83Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-83Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-85Dior Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half87-85Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-85Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-85Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-85Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-85Trevan Leonhardt makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Tarleton State Texans, below favours Utah Valley Wolverines.
Venue
- Wisdom GymStephenville, TX
- Attendance987
- OfficialsDarron George, Kirk Smith, Larry Hamilton
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- 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