Utah Valley University men’s basketball team secured a 74-67 victory over Abilene Christian on Saturday at the UCCU Center, completing their home schedule with an undefeated record for the second consecutive season. This win extended the Wolverines’ home winning streak to 27 games.
Before the game, graduate guard Noah Taitz and senior forward Hayden Welling were recognized as part of Senior Day celebrations.
With this result, Utah Valley improved its overall record to 22-7 and maintained its position at the top of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) standings with a 12-4 mark. The Wolverines hold a one-game lead over California Baptist and are ahead of Utah Tech by 1.5 games as they head into their final two regular season matchups. Securing a win in their next game against Southern Utah would guarantee them at least a share of the WAC regular-season title for a second straight year.
The game saw Utah Valley take an early lead before Abilene Christian responded late in the first half. After trailing briefly, UVU regained control with an 8-2 run sparked by Sherman Weatherspoon IV’s three-pointer and led 34-32 at halftime.
In the second half, Abilene Christian mounted a strong comeback, taking a ten-point advantage. However, back-to-back baskets from Hayden Welling and Braden Housley began an 11-3 run that brought Utah Valley within two points. Trevan Leonhardt’s three-pointer restored UVU’s lead with just under eight minutes left, fueling another surge that put them ahead for good.
Abilene Christian narrowed the deficit to three points in the closing seconds, but Utah Valley scored four unanswered points to close out the win.
Leonhardt finished with 16 points on efficient shooting and contributed across multiple statistical categories, coming close to recording a triple-double with nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks. Isaac Davis added 15 points while Jackson Holcombe provided 13 points along with defensive contributions including four blocks.
As a team, Utah Valley shot over 56 percent from the field and nearly 44 percent from beyond the arc. Although outrebounded by Abilene Christian, UVU held a decisive edge in points scored in the paint.
The Wolverines will conclude their regular season on the road against Southern Utah on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., followed by Utah Tech on Saturday at 7 p.m. Both games will be available live via ESPN+ and Wolverine Sports Network/ESPN The Fan.
