ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — A Western Athletic Conference rematch with recent history on its side awaits when Southern Utah visits Abilene Christian on Saturday at Moody Coliseum.

The Thunderbirds (7-15, 3-4 WAC) handed the Wildcats (10-10, 2-5) a decisive 74-52 loss in Cedar City just two weeks ago on Jan. 17. Southern Utah will look to replicate that defensive performance and secure a season sweep.

Southern Utah enters on a two-game skid, including a 61-80 loss at Texas-Arlington on Thursday. Despite the team’s struggles, guard Tanner Hayhurst has been a consistent offensive threat. He scored 14 points in the first meeting against Abilene Christian and is averaging 13.1 points over his last eight games, including a 20-point outing in a Jan. 15 overtime win over Tarleton State.

Abilene Christian also seeks to rebound from a home loss, falling 70-76 to Utah Tech on Thursday. Guard Yaniel Rivera erupted for a season-high 18 points in that contest, a bright spot for a Wildcats offense that was held to a season-low 52 points in the prior matchup with Southern Utah. Rivera was limited to just 3 points in that game.

The Wildcats have struggled since, losing three of their last four games. Their defense, which allowed Southern Utah to shoot 50% from the field in the first meeting, will be a primary focus. Home-court advantage at Moody Coliseum, where ACU is 6-4 this season, could provide a boost.

Southern Utah’s conference record masks recent competitiveness, with three of its four WAC losses coming by single digits. The Thunderbirds’ offense, which scored 106 points in the win over Tarleton, can be potent but has been inconsistent on the road.

This matchup represents a pivotal point in the WAC schedule for both teams as they navigate the second half of conference play. A win for Abilene Christian would even its league record and avenge the earlier blowout, while Southern Utah aims to build momentum with a rare road victory.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.