Expert prediction
NIT Semifinals: New Mexico vs Tulsa Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 2)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Lobos took down Saint Joseph’s in the quarterfinals.
- The Golden Hurricane got past Wichita State in the quarterfinal round.
- This marks the fourth all-time matchup between the two squads.
The 2026 NIT is set for an incredible set of games in the semifinals, seeing the New Mexico Lobos take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The latter comes out as the slight favorite, presenting many challenges for the Lobos squad.
How to Watch
- When: Thursday, April 2, 7 pm ET
- Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
- How to Watch: ESPN
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | -110 | +3.5 | O161.5 |
| Tulsa | -110 | -3.5 | U161.5 |
Game Preview
The Lobos (26-10) have pulled off a deep run in the NIT, getting past Sam Houston, George Washington and Saint Joseph’s to be one of the last four standing in the tournament. They are in the NIT semifinals for the third time in program history (1964 runner-up, 1990 fourth place). In the latest game, Tomislav Buljan led UNM with a career-high 27 points to go with 11 rebounds, his 17th double-double of the season. Jake Hall added 24 points while Luke Haupt scored 10 points and had five assists for New Mexico.
The Golden Hurricane (29-7) have a lot of momentum going their way in the tournament, taking down Stephen F. Austin, UNLV and Wichita State. They advance to the semifinals of the NIT for the third time in program history, winning each of the last two times they did so. Tylen Riley scored 21 points and recorded six assists while converting all eight of his free throw attempts. Miles Barnstable led with 24 points, making five 3-pointers and adding seven free throws. Ade Popoola contributed 12 points, including three successful shots from beyond the arc. David Green collected six rebounds and added five points to the team’s effort.
New Mexico vs Tulsa Head-to-Head
The two programs have had three meetings in their history, and the result is 2-1 for the Lobos as the last game took place in 1998.
New Mexico vs Tulsa Predictions
The winner of this semifinal matchup will take on the victor between Illinois State and Auburn in the championship. Both squads have showcased incredible efforts throughout the campaign, going all out to secure their place in the final. This game will go down to the wire, but Tulsa might be the team to pull off more clutch plays in the final minutes. Our betting pick here is the Golden Hurricane to defend a 3.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Tulsa Golden Hurricane -3.5
NCAAB
More Predictions
NFL Odds, Predictions: Broncos vs. Cardinals Week 7 Preview & Picks (Oct 25)
Cards beat the Rams on the road, which gave them a massive morale boost ahead of this event. Meanwhile, the Broncos are in excellent shape, with 4 wins in 5 weeks. Both teams aim for a triumph in Glendale, yet who will come out on top? Stay tuned with us to see the latest NFL […]
Men’s National Championship: UConn vs Michigan Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 6)
The NCAA Tournament has come down to its last game of the 2025-26 campaign, seeing the Big East’s UConn Huskies duke it out with the Big Ten’s Michigan Wolverines. The latter stands out as the slight favorite, presenting the high stakes that will be actively present in this championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]
NIT Championship: Tulsa vs Auburn Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The 2026 NIT will come to an end as the Auburn Tigers take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Sunday night. The former stands out as the slight favorite, meaning that Tulsa will have its work cut out for them throughout the championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread […]
College Basketball Crown Championship: Oklahoma vs West Virginia Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The 2026 College Basketball Crown will come to a close when the West Virginia Mountaineers take on the Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners stand out as a slight favorite, paving the way for a great showdown in the championship round. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread Totals Oklahoma -115 -3 O137 […]
Women’s National Championship: South Carolina vs UCLA Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The championship game of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament has arrived as it features a battle between the SEC’s South Carolina Gamecocks and the Big Ten’s UCLA Bruins. The former comes out as the slight favorite as both teams compete for the right to end the campaign as national champions. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]