Expert prediction
NIT First Round: Stephen F. Austin vs Tulsa Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 17)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Lumberjacks make their fourth NIT in program history.
- The Golden Hurricane are in the NIT for the 12th time in program history.
- This marks the fourth all-time matchup between the two squads.
The 2026 NIT is set for a great set of games in the first round, seeing the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The hosts come out as the solid favorite, presenting many challenges for the visiting Lumberjacks squad.
How to Watch
- When: Tuesday, March 17, 9 pm ET
- Where: Reynolds Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- How to Watch: ESPNU
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F. Austin | -113 | +7.5 | O151 |
| Tulsa | -107 | -7.5 | U151 |
Game Preview
The Lumberjacks (28-5) enter the NIT with one of the best records in the country, winning the Southland regular-season title. Keon Thompson was named the league’s Player of the Year as Jerald Colonel earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, Lateef Patrick received Newcomer of the Year plaudits, and first-year head coach Matt Braeuer was named the SLC Coach of the Year. Thompson averaged 21 points, 4.5 rebounds, four assists and two steals to earn All-Tournament honors.
The Golden Hurricane (26-7) have shined as one of the best performing teams in the country despite missing out on the NCAA Tournament, having the top seed in the NIT. Tulsa is among the top 25 in the country in points per game (85.6), scoring margin (12.6), three-point percentage (.388), free throw percentage (.781), made threes (10.6), and free throws made (18.7). Tulsa’s starting five of Barnstable, Behrend, Green, Popoola, and Riley leads the American Conference with a +/- of +170. That ranks them third in the country as a group, per EvanMiya.com, trailing five-man units for Purdue, Arizona, and Houston.
Stephen F. Austin vs Tulsa Head-to-Head
The two programs have had three meetings in their history, and the result is 2-1 for the Lumberjacks. The last matchup was in December 2016 when Tulsa won 74-51 in Hawaii.
Stephen F. Austin vs Tulsa Predictions
A rare matchup graces the NIT with Stephen F. Austin facing Tulsa. The Lumberjacks are potent on both sides of the ball, especially when Keon Thompson explodes with a strong scoring performance. However, the Golden Hurricane boast incredible on-court chemistry as the starting five will look to set the tone early on throughout the matchup. Our betting pick here is the Golden Hurricane to cover a 7.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Tulsa Golden Hurricane -7.5
NCAAB
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