Pick details
| MATCHUP | Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks | Tulsa Golden Hurricane |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 28-5 | 26-7 |
| Where | Tulsa Stadium | |
| When | Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPNU | |
The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane meet Tuesday in NIT college basketball action from Reynolds Center. Here’s a Stephen F. Austin vs Tulsa prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Stephen F. Austin vs Tulsa pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Betting Preview
The Lumberjacks managed a solid 12-3 start this year, then went on a tear. Stephen F. Austin beat Houston Christian, Incarnate Word, New Orleans, Nicholls, Lamar, Northwestern State, SE Louisiana, McNeese, Lamar, East Texas A&M, UTRGV, Texas A&M-CC and Nicholls before a loss to New Orleans. After three more wins the Lumberjacks fell to McNeese last week.
In the tournament matchup with McNeese last Wednesday, Stephen F. Austin came back out onto the floor for the second half with a rough 42-25 deficit on their hands. The Lumberjacks kept the pace from there on a 34-34 run, eventually losing 76-59. Keon Thompson put up 18 points with three boards and three assists while Kam Burton added 10 points with four rebounds.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane Betting Preview
Over on the Tulsa side, they opened up their year on a similar clip at 13-3 overall. The Hurricane hit a seven-game win streak from there before losing to South Florida, Wichita State and UAB in the next trio. After wins over Charlotte, UTSA, Tulane, East Carolina, Temple and North Texas, Tulsa lost to Wichita State over the weekend. That gives the Hurricane a 26-7 overall record.
In the tourney matchup with Wichita State, the Hurricane were sitting in the locker room with a six-point deficit 39-33. Tulsa was outscored by another seven points after that 42-35 and walked away with a loss 81-68. Tylen Riley was tops on 18 points with four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Miles Barnstable added 14 points with two steals and one rebound.
The winner of this game will face off against UC Irvine and UNLV.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks @ Tulsa Golden Hurricane Betting Trends: March 17, 2026
Why the Tulsa Golden Hurricane will win
- Tulsa has won each of its last seven games against the Southland Conference.
Why the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks will win
- Stephen F. Austin has won each of its last seven road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Tulsa has lost the first half in each of its last three games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Stephen F. Austin’s last 13 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.
- Each of Tulsa’s last four games against non-Conference opponents at Donald W. Reynolds Center have produced a total of 159+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Tulsa ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (62.2%).
- Tulsa ranks 15th among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (86.0).
- Stephen F. Austin ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.8).
- Stephen F. Austin ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.2).
Stephen F. Austin vs Tulsa Prediction
I’ll lean toward the Hurricane, but you could probably call this one either way. Tulsa shot just 36.5 percent from the field in their tournament loss to Wichita State, giving up 47.5 percent shooting on the other side. The Hurricane were out-rebounded 39-27 and missed five of their 15 free throws (66.7 percent) along the way. Tulsa had won six straight games before that though, scoring 78 or more points in every one of those.
As for SFA, they also shot poorly (37.3 percent) in their tournament loss while surrendering 51.9 percent on defense. The Lumberjacks lost the rebounding battle 34-24 and were outscored in the paint 32-22 alongside 5-of-21 (23.8 percent) from 3-point range. Stephen F. Austin has scored fewer than 61 points in consecutive games now, so they’re going to have to get that shooting percentage moving quickly in this one.
