UNLV vs Tulsa Prediction 3/22/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The UNLV Rebels and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane will meet on Sunday night in an NIT second round matchup at the Donald W. Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

UNLV Rebels Betting Preview

The UNLV Rebels enter Sunday’s contest with an 18–16 overall record, including a 11–9 mark in conference play and a respectable 7-6 record on the road. UNLV has compiled recent wins over Wyoming, UC Irvine, Nevada and the Utah State Aggies, while dropping games to San Diego State, Grand Canyon and the Fresno State Bulldogs.

Four days ago, in the UNLV Rebels 75-72 victory over UC Irvine, UNLV guard Howie Fleming Jr. amassed 12 points (5 of 7 shooting from the field: 2 of 3 shooting from three-point range), 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal demonstrating his ability to lead the Rebels backcourt.

The UNLV Rebels average 79 points on 47.2 percent shooting from the field and 35.6 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Rebels are allowing opponents 79.3 points per contest which ranks an abysmal 307th in the nation.     

Junior guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn leads the UNLV Rebels averaging 20.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals on 49.7 percent shooting from the field per game. Senior forward Kimani Hamilton provides the Rebels with a strong interior presence averaging 12.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per contest.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane Betting Preview

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane enter Sunday evening’s contest with a 27–7 win‑loss record, including a 13–5 mark in conference play and a 14–2 record at home. Tulsa has compiled wins over North Texas, Charlotte, Rice and the UAB Blazers, while dropping recent games to Charlotte, South Florida, Wichita State and the Memphis Tigers.

Earlier this season, in the Tulsa Golden Hurricane’s 78–76 win over Florida Atlantic, Tulsa guard Keaston Willis delivered a standout performance, scoring 19 points and knocking down four three‑pointers, showcasing his ability to lead the Golden Hurricane offense.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane average 84.4 points (19th in nation) on 46.9 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. The Golden Hurricane are allowing opponents 74.3 points per contest.

Senior guard David Green leads the Golden Hurricane averaging 16.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, while junior guard Tylen Riley contributes 15 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1 steal on 46.5 percent shooting from the field per contest.

Why the UNLV Rebels Will Win

• Quality offense. The UNLV Rebels average 79 points on 47.2 percent shooting from the field and 35.6 percent shooting from three-point range per game.

• Backcourt play. Senior guard David Green leads the Golden Hurricane averaging 16.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

• Momentum. The UNLV Rebels have won four of the team’s last six games played this season.

Why the Tulsa Golden Hurricane Will Win

• Home court edge. The Tulsa Hurricane have amassed a rather impressive 14-2 record at home this season.

• Elite offense. The Tulsa Golden Hurricane average 84.4 points (19th in nation) on 46.9 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game.

• Current form. The Tulsa Golden Hurricane have won eight of the team’s last nine games played this season.

UNLV Rebels vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Prediction

This matchup favors a Tulsa team that plays exceptionally well at home against a UNLV team that has won four of the Rebels last six games played this season. The Golden Hurricane’s strong half‑court scoring give Tulsa two reliable advantages in the game. Additionally, Tulsa has performed with far more efficiency at home relative to on the road this season. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Tulsa Hurricane to cover the 4.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Tulsa -4.5