Abilene Christian Wildcats vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds Picks and Predictions January 17th 2026

Last Updated on

Abilene Christian Wildcats vs Southern Utah Thunderbirds Betting Preview

The Abilene Christian Wildcats look to bounce back on the road, while the Southern Utah Thunderbirds aim to defend their home floor in this WAC clash at the America First Events Center.

Line Movement and Odds

Abilene Christian enters as the favorite, but Southern Utah’s home record makes this line competitive. Current market:

  • Abilene Christian Spread: -3.5 (-113)
  • Southern Utah Spread: +3.5 (-110)
  • Abilene Christian MoneyLine: -172
  • Southern Utah MoneyLine: +137
  • Total: 147.5 (-110)

Check College Basketball Odds for live updates and sharper angles.

Track Every Line Move Before It Happens

Stay Ahead of the Public, Every Time.

Matchup Breakdown

Abilene Christian Outlook

The Wildcats average 72.5 points per game, with Rich Smith, Bradyn Hubbard, and a balanced roster leading the offense. Smith’s 22 points vs California Baptist highlighted his efficiency, while Hubbard’s 27 points vs UT Arlington showcased his scoring punch. Abilene Christian’s shooting efficiency (45.7% FG, 178th nationally) and free-throw accuracy (71.5%) underscore their strengths. Their 10-8 record and 4-6 road mark highlight resilience, making them a dangerous favorite.

Southern Utah Outlook

The Thunderbirds average 77.0 points per game, with Tanner Hayhurst, Jaiden Feroah, and Dylan Jones driving production. Hayhurst’s 20 points vs Tarleton State highlighted his consistency, while Feroah’s 17 points and nine rebounds showcased his impact. Southern Utah’s shooting efficiency (52.9% FG for Feroah) and home record (5-2) underscore their strengths. Their 5-13 record shows struggles, but their ability to compete at home makes them dangerous at the America First Events Center.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on pace and perimeter defense. Abilene Christian thrives on efficient shooting and free throws, while Southern Utah must rely on offensive depth and home-court energy to tilt the game. Turnovers and rebounding will likely decide the margin.

Basketball
2026-01-17 11:59
Open
Virginia Cavaliers
SMU Mustangs
Basketball
2026-01-17 20:00
Open
New Mexico Lobos
San Diego St Aztecs
Basketball
2026-01-17 20:00
Open
CSU Fullerton Titans
UC Riverside Highlanders

Injuries / Availability

Abilene Christian: No injuries reported.

Southern Utah: No notable injuries listed.

Environment

The America First Events Center has been a reliable venue for Southern Utah, where they’ve gone 5-2 this season. Abilene Christian enters with confidence from strong offensive performances, making this a clash of home strength vs road resilience.

Stop Guessing During College Basketball Season

Daily updates. Proven performance.

Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Southern Utah 75, Abilene Christian 73

  • Southern Utah +3.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive efficiency and home-court advantage suggest they can stay within the number.
  • Under 147.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower pace points toward a combined score below the line.

Southern Utah’s depth and home-court advantage should carry them to victory, while Abilene Christian’s offense keeps the game competitive. Expect a moderately high-scoring contest with totals landing just under the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

WAC games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers highlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard shows who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Abilene Christian vs Southern Utah, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.

Yesterday
Sas Insider
$590
2. William Taylor
$345
3. Sports Central
$298
4. Randall Dickelman
$261
5. Logan Wilson
$200
This Week
Sean Kuchman
$1,303
2. Sas Insider
$1,205
3. Madjack Sports
$1,142
4. Pro Picks – Mike
$975
5. Bill Blatt
$675
This Month
Sas Insider
$2,220
2. Madjack Sports
$1,528
3. Coach Rick
$1,422
4. Wise Guy Plays
$1,377
5. Logan Wilson
$1,187