The NIT tournament is down to its final four teams, and one of the semifinal matchups features the New Mexico Lobos facing the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Both teams have enjoyed strong seasons and now meet with a place in the NIT championship game on the line.
New Mexico enters the game with solid form after several convincing wins during the tournament run. Tulsa has also shown impressive performances and arrives with confidence after defeating multiple opponents on its way to the semifinal stage.
The game is expected to be closely contested, with both teams bringing strong offensive production and capable defenses into the matchup.
New Mexico vs Tulsa Match Details
| Match | New Mexico Lobos vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane |
|---|---|
| Tournament | NIT Semifinal |
| Date | April 2, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis |
| Broadcast | ESPN |
The winner of this game will advance to the NIT final, making it one of the most important matchups of the season for both programs.
Team Records and Season Performance
Both teams have produced strong records this season and earned their place in the semifinal with consistent performances.
| Team | Record | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Tulsa Golden Hurricane | 29–7 | 80.5% |
| New Mexico Lobos | 26–10 | 72.2% |
Tulsa has been one of the most efficient scoring teams during the season, averaging more than 85 points per game while allowing around 73 points.
New Mexico has also been effective on both ends of the court. The Lobos average over 81 points per game while keeping opponents around 70 points, showing their balanced style of play.
Both teams have shown strong offensive rhythm during the NIT tournament, which suggests this semifinal could turn into a high-scoring battle.
Betting Odds
The latest betting lines show New Mexico entering the matchup as a slight favorite.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | New Mexico -3.5 |
| Spread | Tulsa +3.5 |
| Moneyline | New Mexico -178 |
| Moneyline | Tulsa +146 |
| Total Points | 161.5 |
The narrow spread indicates that sportsbooks expect a competitive game between the two teams.
Team Form and Recent Results
Tulsa has built momentum during the tournament and recently defeated UNLV and Wichita State to reach the semifinal.
| Tulsa Recent Results | Score |
|---|---|
| vs Wichita State | 83–79 |
| vs UNLV | 77–66 |
| vs SFA | 89–84 |
New Mexico has also been dominant in its recent games, winning three straight matchups before arriving in Indianapolis.
| New Mexico Recent Results | Score |
|---|---|
| vs St. Joseph’s | 84–69 |
| vs George Washington | 86–61 |
| vs Sam Houston State | 107–83 |
Both teams have shown the ability to score efficiently, which may lead to a fast-paced semifinal game.
Key Player to Watch
One of the most important players in this matchup will be Tulsa forward David Green.
| Player | Team | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| David Green | Tulsa | 15.7 PPG |
Green leads Tulsa in scoring and plays a key role in the team’s offensive production. However, he struggled in the NIT quarterfinal and scored only five points. If Tulsa hopes to pull off an upset against New Mexico, Green will likely need to deliver a strong performance.
Tactical Matchup
Tulsa relies heavily on outside shooting, ranking among the better teams in effective field goal percentage. The Golden Hurricane frequently attempt three-point shots and have multiple players capable of hitting from long range.
New Mexico, on the other hand, combines scoring with a solid defensive system. The Lobos have one of the stronger defensive units among teams remaining in the tournament and often force turnovers while limiting opponents from three-point range.
Another key factor will be the presence of New Mexico big man Tomislav Buljan, who has been highly productive during the NIT run. His ability to score inside and control rebounds could create problems for Tulsa’s interior defense.
Key Game Trends
Several trends from both teams provide insight into how the game might unfold.
| Trend | Insight |
|---|---|
| Tulsa recent ATS form | 1–5 ATS in last six games |
| New Mexico ATS run | 5–0–1 in last six games |
| Over totals trend | Over hit in 13 of New Mexico’s last 20 games |
| Tulsa underdog record | 7–3 ATS in last 10 as underdog |
These numbers highlight New Mexico’s recent consistency against the spread, while Tulsa has shown resilience when entering games as an underdog.
Match Prediction
Both teams have the offensive firepower to compete at a high level, but New Mexico appears to have the stronger overall balance between defense and inside scoring.
Tulsa’s perimeter shooting can keep the game competitive, but New Mexico’s ability to dominate inside and generate turnovers could become the deciding factor.
| Prediction Category | Pick |
|---|---|
| Match Winner | New Mexico Lobos |
| Spread Prediction | New Mexico -3.5 |
| Expected Game Style | Fast-paced scoring game |
If New Mexico controls the paint and limits Tulsa’s three-point opportunities, the Lobos are well positioned to secure a place in the NIT championship game.
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