- Matchup: Utah Valley Wolverines vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Venue: America First Events Center in Cedar City, UT
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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In an exciting clash, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (6-13) will take on the Utah Valley Wolverines (15-4) at the America First Events Center on Wednesday night.
In their previous outing, the Utah Valley Wolverines secured a convincing 86-74 victory against UT Arlington. Throughout the game, both teams committed 19 fouls. The Wolverines connected on 6 of their 20 three-point attempts and allowed UT Arlington to shoot 76.9% from the free throw line, converting 20 of their 26 tries. Moreover, UT Arlington grabbed 30 rebounds (12 offensive, 18 defensive) without a single block. They achieved 8 assists and executed 8 steals during the game. Defensively, Utah Valley permitted their opponents to shoot at 42.9%, as they allowed 24 field goals from 56 attempts. The Wolverines totaled 18 assists, created 14 turnovers, and secured 7 steals. They also grabbed 32 rebounds, including 14 offensive boards, and converted 17 of 28 free throws for a shooting percentage of 60.7%. In terms of overall shooting, Utah Valley finished the game shooting 53.3% from the field, landing 32 of 60 shots, including 5 of 15 from long range.
Jackson Holcombe played a vital role in that game, shooting 40.0% from the field, dishing out 5 assists, logging 37 minutes on the floor, grabbing 8 rebounds, and scoring 16 points on 6 of 15 shooting.
Utah Valley enters this matchup with an impressive record of 15-4 this season. They average 83.6 points per game, ranking 61st nationally, and boast a remarkable shooting percentage of 52.2% from the field. The Wolverines hit 35.6% of their three-point attempts (138 of 388) and excel at the free throw line, making 70.6% of their shots. As a team, they average 38.2 rebounds per game and lead the nation with a total of 381 assists. However, they also commit about 14.6 turnovers and 17.7 fouls per game.
On the defensive end, the Wolverines force 15.0 turnovers per game while averaging 17.3 personal fouls. They currently rank 127th in college basketball for assisting opponents, yielding 233 assists this season. Opponents are shooting 40.3% against Utah Valley (443 of 1,099) and the Wolverines allow an average of 30.5 rebounds per game, relinquishing 30.4% from three-point land. They rank 50th in Division 1 for points allowed per game, averaging 67.9.
In their last match, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds clinched a solid victory over Abilene Christian, winning 74-52. The Thunderbirds racked up 30 defensive rebounds and 8 offensive boards for a total of 38. They committed 17 turnovers but also recorded 7 steals. Abilene Christian was called for 14 fouls, which allowed the Thunderbirds to shoot 14 free throws, converting 10 for a rate of 71.4%. Southern Utah also made 8 of 22 attempts from beyond the arc (36.4%). When the game concluded, the Thunderbirds shot 48.3% from the field, hitting 28 of 58 attempts, while holding Abilene Christian to just 15 of 63 (23.8%) shooting. Abilene Christian sunk only 3 of 18 from three-point range, finishing 19 out of 25 at the charity stripe (76.0%). Southern Utah allowed Abilene Christian to collect a total of 34 rebounds (13 offensive).
Jaiden Feroah was a standout for the Thunderbirds, scoring 16 points with 10 rebounds and 2 assists while shooting 46.2% (6 of 13) in 34 minutes of play.
Currently, Southern Utah has a record of 6-13 for the season. They are scoring 76.8 points per game on a shooting percentage of 45.0%, placing them 206th in the nation. The Thunderbirds have accumulated 1,460 points this season while averaging 37.1 rebounds. They provide 14.4 assists per game (178th in college) and turn the ball over 13.9 times. Additionally, they commit 16.6 personal fouls per game and convert 71.5% of their free throw attempts.
Defensively, the Thunderbirds rank 323rd in Division 1 for points per game allowed, giving up 80.2. They force 11.5 turnovers per game and allow opponents to shoot 45.8% from the field, ranking 292nd in college. Southern Utah also permits 37.5% on three-pointers (140 of 373) and allows opponents to knock down 71.9% of their free throws. They give up an average of 13.5 assists and 37.6 rebounds per game, ranking 196th and 322nd in Division 1, respectively.
Who will claim victory in this NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Southern Utah
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