Portland State Vikings vs Tulane Green Wave Picks & Predictions for Saturday December 20 2025
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The Portland State Vikings head south to New Orleans to face the Tulane Green Wave on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with tip-off set for 7:30 PM ET at Devlin Fieldhouse. This matchup airs on ESPN+ and features a contrast in styles: Portland State’s efficient, up-tempo offense versus Tulane’s physical, defense-first approach at home. ESPN Analytics gives Tulane a 67.3% chance to win, but the numbers suggest this game could be tighter than expected. For more daily analysis and angles, check out free college basketball picks.
Portland State Vikings Preview: Offensive Balance Meets Road Test
Portland State enters at 6–4 overall and 2–3 on the road, coming off a road loss at Colorado. While that defeat snapped momentum, the Vikings have generally played well away from home, with wins at South Dakota and Utah Tech showing their ability to travel and compete.
Statistically, Portland State is the more efficient offensive team in this matchup. The Vikings average 82.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 49% from the field. They also rebound extremely well (39.3 RPG) and move the ball effectively with 17.2 assists per game, which helps them maintain scoring consistency even when their pace slows.
The offense runs through Jaylin Henderson, who leads the team with 17.6 PPG while shooting 44.4% from the floor and 83.3% at the line. Henderson’s ability to score both on-ball and in transition is critical, especially against a Tulane team that prefers half-court defense. If Portland State controls tempo, Henderson becomes a difficult matchup.
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Tulane Green Wave Preview: Home-Court Grit and Defensive Pressure
Tulane comes in at 8–4 overall and 6–2 at home, where Devlin Fieldhouse has clearly been an advantage. The Green Wave are coming off a solid 61–53 win over Louisiana Tech, a game that highlighted their ability to grind out results when shots aren’t falling.
Offensively, Tulane averages 74.3 points per game, but efficiency is a concern at just 44% shooting. Defensively, however, they generate disruption with 8.4 steals per game and 4.8 blocks, often compensating for rebounding limitations (30.6 RPG). This aggressive style can swing momentum quickly, particularly against teams that rely on ball movement.
Rowan Brumbaugh is the focal point of the Tulane offense, averaging 18.8 PPG on 44% shooting. He is at his best attacking mismatches and drawing fouls, and Tulane will likely lean on him heavily to slow the game and prevent Portland State from getting into rhythm.
Key Points to Watch For
- Pace Control: Portland State wants tempo; Tulane wants a half-court grind
- Rebounding Edge: Portland State’s size vs Tulane’s rebounding struggles
- Turnovers: Tulane’s steals could swing runs if Portland State gets careless
- Home Court: Tulane’s defensive intensity spikes in New Orleans
Portland State Vikings vs Tulane Green Wave Pick
Best Bet: Portland State + Points I’m taking Portland State with the points here. The Vikings are the more efficient offensive team, shoot significantly better from the field, and hold a clear rebounding advantage. Tulane’s defense can keep games close, but Portland State’s ball movement and ability to score inside and out make it difficult for the Green Wave to pull away.
Lean Pick: Under the Total I also lean toward the under. Tulane consistently drags opponents into slower-paced games at home, and while Portland State can score, this feels like a matchup where possessions are shortened and points are earned rather than free-flowing. Check out all the sportsbook promos to see if you are getting a great deal on your bets on Portland State. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Tulane with the Kickr promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Tulane vs Portland State you are using the BetMGM bonus code.
From a betting standpoint, this game sets up as a classic efficiency vs environment matchup. Tulane’s home edge keeps them competitive, but Portland State’s offense and rebounding should keep this within a possession or two throughout.
Final Score Prediction:
Tulane 74, Portland State 71
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