Wichita State Shockers vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane Picks and Predictions for Tuesday March 24 2026
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The Wichita State Shockers and Tulsa Golden Hurricane meet in the NIT Quarterfinal at the Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET with the game televised on ESPN2. Tulsa enters as a 4.5-point favorite with a total set at 152.5, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. This matchup features two familiar AAC foes meeting once again with a trip to the NIT semifinals on the line. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert analysis on today’s games.
Shockers Riding Momentum into Tulsa
Wichita State comes into this contest with a 24-11 overall record and a strong 8-4 mark on the road. The Shockers finished 14-6 in AAC play and have already shown they can beat Tulsa, recently winning over them 81-68. Over their last five games, Wichita State has recently won over Oklahoma State, recently won over Wyoming, recently lost to South Florida, recently won over Tulsa, and recently won over Florida Atlantic. Their convincing 96-70 road win over Oklahoma State in the previous round highlights just how dangerous this team can be when firing on all cylinders.
Statistically, Wichita State has been solid on both ends of the floor. The Shockers are averaging 78.1 points per game while allowing 70.4 points per contest. They shoot 44% from the field and dominate the glass with 41.5 rebounds per game. Defensively, they contribute 3.9 blocks and 6.0 steals per game, showing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. While their assist numbers (11.6 per game) are modest, their physical style and rebounding advantage often create second-chance opportunities.
A key tournament-specific angle for Wichita State is their offensive efficiency and rebounding dominance in the last game. In their win over Oklahoma State, Kenyon Giles led the way with 28 points on 10-of-24 shooting, while Dillon Battie controlled the boards with 10 rebounds. The Shockers shot 49% from the field and an impressive 54% from three-point range while outrebounding Oklahoma State 46-38. If Wichita State can replicate that shooting efficiency and maintain their edge on the glass, they will be a serious threat to pull off the upset again on the road.
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Golden Hurricane Defending Home Court
Tulsa enters this matchup with a strong 28-7 overall record and an impressive 15-2 record at home. Like Wichita State, they finished 14-6 in AAC play and have been dominant throughout the NIT. In their last five games, Tulsa has recently won over UNLV, recently won over Stephen F. Austin, recently lost to Wichita State, recently won over North Texas, and recently won over Temple. Their most recent victory, a 77-66 win over UNLV, showcased their ability to control games with balanced scoring and strong rebounding.
Offensively, Tulsa is one of the more explosive teams remaining in the NIT, averaging 85.4 points per game. They shoot 47% from the field and average 15.5 assists per game, indicating strong ball movement. Defensively, they allow 73.1 points per game and force turnovers while adding 6.4 steals per contest. While they are slightly weaker on the glass compared to Wichita State at 38.7 rebounds per game, they make up for it with efficiency and scoring depth.
The key tournament angle for Tulsa is their rebounding dominance and interior presence in their last game. In the win over UNLV, Miles Barnstable led the team with 16 points, while Romad Dean dominated inside with 11 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass. Tulsa outrebounded UNLV 49-23, which was a massive advantage that helped control the tempo of the game. If Tulsa can once again win the rebounding battle and protect home court, they will be in a strong position to advance.
Tulsa vs Wichita State Pick
Tulsa vs Wichita State Spread Pick
- Pick: Tulsa Golden Hurricane -4.5
Tulsa’s home dominance is difficult to overlook, especially with a 15-2 record at the Reynolds Center. While Wichita State has already beaten Tulsa recently, it’s tough to beat a strong team twice in a short span, particularly on the road. Tulsa’s offensive firepower and ability to control the boards in their last game suggest they can adjust and respond in this rematch. The Shockers rely heavily on shooting efficiency, and if that regresses even slightly, Tulsa’s depth and scoring balance should allow them to pull away late. Laying the points with the Golden Hurricane is the stronger side.
Tulsa vs Wichita State Total Pick
- Pick: Over 152.5
I like the over in this matchup because both teams have shown the ability to score at a high level, especially in tournament play. Wichita State just put up 96 points and shot extremely well from the field, while Tulsa averages over 85 points per game and plays at a fast pace. With both teams familiar with each other and capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses, I expect an up-tempo game with plenty of scoring opportunities. Even if the defenses make adjustments, the offensive talent on both sides should push this game over the total.
Final Score Prediction: Tulsa Golden Hurricane 82, Wichita State Shockers 76
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