- Matchup: Tarleton State Texans vs. Southern Utah Thunderbirds
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Venue: America First Events Center, Cedar City, UT
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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On Saturday, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (8-15) are set to face off against the Tarleton State Texans (11-11) at the America First Events Center.
In their previous game, the Tarleton State Texans clashed with Utah Tech but came up short, losing 65-59. The Texans committed 11 personal fouls, while Utah Tech recorded 13. Tarleton managed to hit 12 of 24 three-point attempts. Utah Tech struggled from the free-throw line, converting just 3 of 8 shots (37.5%). On the boards, they secured 26 rebounds (5 offensive, 21 defensive) but did not register any blocks. Utah Tech dished out 11 assists and made 9 steals throughout the game. Conversely, Tarleton State’s defense allowed a 50.0% shooting rate, as they went 25 for 50. The Texans logged 6 assists, forced 12 turnovers, and claimed 7 steals while gathering 38 rebounds, including 16 offensive ones. At the free-throw line, Tarleton converted 14 out of 17 attempts, resulting in an impressive 82.4% success rate. They finished with a 34.4% field goal percentage (21 of 61) and struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 3 of 23 attempts.
Camron McDowell played a crucial role, scoring 16 points on 6 of 14 shooting, while also grabbing 5 rebounds in 30 minutes of play.
With a season record of 11-11, the Texans are averaging 78.0 points per game (ranked 141st in college basketball). They have a field goal percentage of 45.4% and are shooting 32.3% from three-point range (109 of 337). From the free-throw line, they convert at a rate of 76.4%. The team averages 33.6 rebounds per game and has tallied 267 assists this season, ranking them 326th in Division 1 for total assists. They turn the ball over an average of 14.6 times per game and commit 20.0 personal fouls each outing.
Defensively, the Texans force 18.7 turnovers per game and draw 20.3 fouls, allowing opponents to shoot 35.3% from three-point range. They rank 202nd in college basketball for points allowed per game (74.3). The Texans have permitted an opponent field goal percentage of 46.6% (543 of 1,166) and average 33.2 rebounds allowed per game, which positions them 171st for assists surrendered, having given up 301 so far this season.
In their last matchup, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds secured a close victory over Abilene Christian, ending with a score of 79-76. In rebounding, Southern Utah permitted Abilene Christian to collect 14 boards (5 offensive). The Thunderbirds shot 34.8% from long range, connecting on 8 of 23 attempts, and made 6 of 12 free throws (50%). Conversely, Abilene Christian managed to convert 31 of 60 shots from the floor for an efficiency rate of 51.7%. The Thunderbirds recorded an impressive shooting percentage of 67.4%, making 29 of 43 attempts from the field. From beyond the arc, Southern Utah hit 3 of 6 shots (50%) and capitalized on 18 free throws, achieving an 85.7% rate. Abilene Christian committed 17 fouls, leading to 21 free-throw attempts for the Thunderbirds. Notably, Southern Utah recorded 23 defensive rebounds and 5 offensive boards, totaling 28 rebounds in the contest.
Elijah Duval was instrumental for the Thunderbirds, scoring 27 points on an impressive 11 of 13 shooting (84.6% field goal rate) while also contributing 7 rebounds and 3 assists in 38 minutes.
With a record of 8-15 this season, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds average 72.9% from the free-throw line and commit about 16.4 fouls per game. They average 14.1 assists (ranking 182nd nationally) while also turning the ball over 14.1 times each game. Southern Utah has scored a total of 1,775 points this season, equating to an average of 77.2 points per game, with 36.4 rebounds per game. Offensively, they maintain a field goal percentage of 45.9%, ranking 147th in Division 1.
Defensively, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds allow 36.7% shooting on three-point attempts (169 of 460) and 71.0% success rate at the charity stripe. They permit 14.2 assists and 37.1 rebounds per contest, which ranks 249th and 320th in Division 1, respectively. The Thunderbirds struggle defensively, ranking 330th in Division 1 for points allowed per game (80.5). They force an average of 11.0 turnovers while allowing teams to shoot 45.9% from the field (ranking 285th).
Who will triumph in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Tarleton State
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