Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Wichita State Shockers Picks and Predictions for Saturday March 14 2026
Use Code PPWC
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane face the Wichita State Shockers in the American Conference Championship Semifinal on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Legacy Arena at BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM ET with television coverage on ESPN2. According to DraftKings, Tulsa is favored by -1.5 with the total set at 150.5, while Wichita State is +105 on the moneyline and Tulsa is -125. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily betting insights and predictions.
Golden Hurricane Survive Marathon Quarterfinal
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane enter the American Conference Tournament semifinal with a 26-6 overall record and a 13-5 conference record. Tulsa advanced to this round after recently winning over North Texas 90-84 in a triple-overtime quarterfinal thriller. The Golden Hurricane have been red-hot lately, recently winning over North Texas, Temple, East Carolina, Tulane, and UTSA in their last five games.
Tulsa has averaged 86.0 points per game while allowing 72.8 points per game this season. The Golden Hurricane shoot 49% from the field and average 37.8 rebounds and 15.6 assists per game. Defensively they contribute 2.5 blocks and 6.4 steals per game, showing a team that can score efficiently while still applying pressure on the defensive end.
In their dramatic quarterfinal victory over North Texas, Tulsa relied on Tylen Riley, who led the team with 26 points while converting a remarkable 17 of 17 free throw attempts. On the boards, Tyler Behrend led Tulsa with 11 rebounds, helping the Golden Hurricane compete in a physical rebounding battle. However, the triple-overtime game required significant minutes from Tulsa’s key players, which could be a factor on the short turnaround heading into this semifinal matchup.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Shockers Enter Semifinal With Confidence
The Wichita State Shockers come into the semifinal with a 21-10 overall record and a 13-5 conference record. Wichita State advanced to this round after recently winning over Florida Atlantic 88-70 in the quarterfinal. The Shockers have recently won over Florida Atlantic, UTSA, Memphis, Temple, and East Carolina in their last five games.
Wichita State has averaged 78.3 points per game while allowing 70.5 points per game this season. The Shockers shoot 44% from the field and average 41.0 rebounds and 11.6 assists per game. Defensively they contribute 4.0 blocks and 6.1 steals per game, showing their ability to control the paint while applying steady defensive pressure.
In their quarterfinal win over Florida Atlantic, Wichita State received an outstanding performance from Dillon Battie, who led the team with 22 points while shooting 9-of-10 from the field. Battie also dominated the glass with 12 rebounds, giving the Shockers a strong interior presence. Wichita State shot 51% from the field in that matchup and controlled the tempo throughout the game, which could be an important factor against a Tulsa team coming off a lengthy triple-overtime battle.
Tulsa vs Wichita State Pick
Tulsa vs Wichita State Spread Pick
- Pick: Wichita State +1.5
While Tulsa has been one of the best teams in the American Conference this season, the Golden Hurricane are coming off an exhausting triple-overtime game that could impact their energy level. Wichita State enters this matchup well-rested after a comfortable quarterfinal win and has shown strong rebounding ability and defensive discipline. With Tulsa potentially feeling the effects of the previous game, Wichita State has value catching points.
Tulsa vs Wichita State Total Pick
- Pick: Under 150.5
I like the under in this matchup because Wichita State typically plays at a slower pace and relies heavily on defense and rebounding to control the game. Tulsa may also slow the tempo after playing such a physically demanding triple-overtime game in the quarterfinal. With fatigue potentially impacting offensive efficiency and Wichita State emphasizing defense, this game has the potential to stay under the total.
Final Score Prediction: Wichita State 74, Tulsa 71
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
