| MATCHUP | Utah Valley Wolverines | Tarleton Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 11-3 | 10-4 |
| Spread | -3.5 -115 | +3.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | -170 | +142 |
| Total | Over 149.5 (-108) | Under 149.5 (-112) |
| Where | Wisdom Gym, Stephenville, TX | |
| When | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Tarleton State Texans Preview
Tarleton State Texans have a 10-4 record this season and are sitting in the 2nd place of the WAC. They have a 7-0 home record and are coming off a 69-63 away win against UT Arlington. Their previous three games were a 78-54 home win against Florida A&M, an 88-64 away win against Mississippi Valley State, and a 93-63 home win against Cameron.
Offensively, Tarleton State averages 79.8 points per game, while allowing 70.3 points per game defensively. The Texans shoot with 48% from the field and grab 35.1 rebounds per game, while dishing out 13.4 assists per game. They average 2.9 blocks per game and 11.3 steals per game defensively.
Freddy Hicks leads Tarleton State in scoring, with an average of 11.8 points per game, while shooting with 43.6% from the field and 71.2% from the free throw line. Freddy Hicks also leads the team in rebounds with 6.3 per game, while Freddy Hicks adds a team-high 2.8 assists per game.
Utah Valley Wolverines Preview
Utah Valley Wolverines have an 11-3 record this season and are sitting in the 1st place of the WAC. They have a 1-3 away record and are coming off a 73-66 home win against California Baptist. Their previous three games were a 109-48 home win against Binghamton, a 90-74 home win against Weber State, and a 68-53 home win against UC Santa Barbara.
Offensively, Utah Valley averages 83 points per game, while allowing 64.1 points per game defensively. The Wolverines shoot with 52% from the field and grab 38.9 rebounds per game, while dishing out 20.6 assists per game. They average 6.2 blocks per game and 10.2 steals per game defensively.
Jackson Holcombe leads Utah Valley in scoring, with an average of 16.2 points per game, while shooting with 58.8% from the field and 68.5% from the free throw line. Jackson Holcombe also leads the team in rebounds with 7.6 per game, while Trevan Leonhardt adds a team-high 6.9 assists per game.
Utah Valley Wolverines @ Tarleton State Texans Betting Trends: January 1, 2026
Why the Tarleton State Texans will win
- Tarleton State has won each of its last seven home games.
- Tarleton State has won the first half in eight of its last nine home games.
Why the Utah Valley Wolverines will win
- Utah Valley has won each of its last nine Thursday games against Conference opponents.
- Tarleton State has lost three of its last four games against Conference opponents.
- Utah Valley has won the first half in 10 of its last 12 games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Tarleton State’s last 13 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
- Six of Utah Valley’s last seven road games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
Utah Valley vs Tarleton State Prediction
In this Utah Valley vs Tarleton State Prediction, Utah Valley is coming as -4 road favorites. Both teams have been excellent this season, as they both have 11 and 10 overall wins, but Tarleton has been undefeated at home, while Utah Valley has been struggling on the road. Both teams are coming into this matchup red-hot, with an 8-1 and 9-1 record in their last 9 and 10 games respectively, so I see no value on either side. They both play excellent defense this season, allowing just 134.4 points per game and as a result, they are 5-2 to the under in their last 7 games combined. Take the under 150 points.