Southern Utah walked into Abilene Christian’s building and took the game in the minutes that mattered most, rallying from a halftime deficit to beat the Wildcats 79-76 on Saturday.
The Thunderbirds (8-15) trailed 39-33 at the break, then turned the contest with a 46-37 second half to complete the comeback. Abilene Christian (10-11) dropped its sixth straight, extending a rough stretch that now reads LLLLL in its most recent form.
How it happened
Abilene Christian controlled the first half on the scoreboard, carrying a 39-33 advantage into halftime. But Southern Utah’s response after the break was decisive: 46 points in the second half, enough to erase the deficit and build the slimmest of cushions by the final horn.
The margin never needed to be large. With the final score sitting at 79-76, every empty trip and every late possession carried weight — and Southern Utah simply produced more of the winning plays after halftime.
The turning point: a second-half swing
The game pivoted on Southern Utah’s ability to change the terms after the break. Down six at halftime, the Thunderbirds won the second half by nine (46-37), turning a three-point final into a clear story of momentum and execution.
By the numbers
- Halftime: Abilene Christian 39, Southern Utah 33
- Second half: Southern Utah 46, Abilene Christian 37
- Final: Southern Utah 79, Abilene Christian 76
What it means going forward
For Southern Utah, the win is a tangible payoff for a team that arrived with an uneven recent run (WLLWW). The blueprint was simple and effective: stay connected early, then win the second-half segment with pace and points.
For Abilene Christian, the concern is less about one three-point loss and more about the pattern. At 10-11 with a five-game losing form entering the night, the Wildcats had a chance to stabilize after a strong first half — and instead watched the game slip in the final 20 minutes.
Game info
League: NCAA
Season: 2025-26
Date: Jan. 31, 2026
Venue: TBD