New Mexico vs. Tulsa Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest NIT Semifinal Odds for Thursday, April 2nd
New Mexico and Tulsa meet in the NIT semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Thursday night. Here is the prediction, betting pick, latest odds, and full preview as they hope to advance to Sunday's final.
OC Staff - April 2, 2026, 6:25 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadNew Mexico vs. Tulsa Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest NIT Semifinal Odds for Thursday, April 2nd
Two No. 1 seeds are left standing on this side of the NIT bracket, and now New Mexico and Tulsa meet at Hinkle Fieldhouse with a spot in Sunday’s championship game on the line. The Lobos enter the semifinal at 26-10, while Tulsa comes in at 29-7, setting up one of the strongest matchups of the entire tournament.
New Mexico has looked the more convincing team through three NIT wins, blowing past Sam Houston, George Washington and Saint Joseph’s by 15 or more points in each game. Tulsa has been excellent in its own right, but the Golden Hurricane have had to survive a few more tense stretches on the way to Indianapolis.
New Mexico vs. Tulsa Recent Results
New Mexico is 26-10 overall and reached the semifinals with home wins over Sam Houston, George Washington and Saint Joseph’s. The Lobos beat Saint Joseph’s 84-69 in the quarterfinals and have won all three of their NIT games by at least 15 points.
Tulsa is 29-7 overall and advanced with home wins over Stephen F. Austin, UNLV and Wichita State. The Golden Hurricane beat Wichita State 83-79 in the quarterfinals after also taking down UNLV 77-66 in the previous round.
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New Mexico vs. Tulsa Odds
New Mexico vs. Tulsa Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Click here for complete New Mexico vs. Tulsa Odds
New Mexico vs. Tulsa Prediction
New Mexico’s biggest strength here is balance. The Lobos score 81.5 points per game, allow just 70.8, and have enough shot creation to avoid being too dependent on one player carrying the entire offense. Tulsa is more explosive statistically at 85.4 points per game, but it also gives up more on the other end, and that difference matters in a semifinal setting where possessions tend to feel heavier.
Tulsa will try to lean on its offense and its rebounding edge, as the Golden Hurricane average 38.7 boards per game compared with 36.9 for New Mexico. But the Lobos have been the more controlled team, and that matters against a Tulsa team that can get dragged into momentum swings. New Mexico’s path to Indianapolis has looked more authoritative, while Tulsa has had to work harder to get through the bracket.
There is also a strong case that New Mexico is arriving with the better current form. The Lobos handled Saint Joseph’s comfortably in the quarterfinals and have now built a three-game NIT stretch that suggests they are peaking at the right time. Tulsa has the shot-makers to make this uncomfortable, but New Mexico looks like the more complete team entering Thursday night.
Tulsa is talented enough to keep this close for long stretches, and its offense should have moments where it puts New Mexico under pressure. But the Lobos have been sharper, more consistent and more trustworthy in this tournament. Expect New Mexico to weather Tulsa’s runs, make the key plays in the second half and advance to Sunday’s NIT final.
New Mexico vs. Tulsa Best Bet
- Pick: New Mexico -2.5 (-110) Check out the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
New Mexico has looked like the more complete team throughout this NIT run, and the Lobos have been far more convincing from game to game. Tulsa can score, but New Mexico’s steadier defense, better tournament form and cleaner late-game profile make the Lobos the side to back to reach the championship game.
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