- Matchup: Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
- Venue: Reynolds Center, Tulsa, OK
- Broadcast: ESPNU
- Betting Lines: Stephen F. Austin (+7)
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The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (28-5) are set to face off against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (26-7) at the Reynolds Center this Tuesday in the opening round of the NIT. According to Las Vegas oddsmakers, Stephen F. Austin enters this contest as 7-point underdogs, with the total points set at 153.
In their previous outing, the Lumberjacks suffered a defeat against McNeese State, falling 76-59. Despite a field goal percentage of 37.3% (19 for 51) and only hitting 5 of 21 attempts from beyond the arc, they excelled at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 19 for an impressive 84.2%. On the boards, Stephen F. Austin secured 24 rebounds, including 7 offensive rebounds, while providing 10 assists in the game. However, they also committed 10 turnovers and recorded 5 steals. Defensively, they allowed McNeese State to shoot 51.9% from the field with 28 successful shots on 54 attempts, as McNeese State also contributed 14 assists and 9 steals, grabbing 34 rebounds (8 offensive). Their free-throw efficiency stood out, with 11 of 12 attempts sinking, and they nailed 9 of 18 from beyond the arc. Both teams combined for a total of 24 personal fouls, with the Lumberjacks contributing 11.
Notable performance came from Keon Thompson, who put up 18 points on 7 of 17 shooting, playing a crucial role in the match. He spent 29 minutes on the court, adding 3 rebounds and 3 assists, while recording a shooting percentage of 41.2%.
This season, Stephen F. Austin boasts a solid record of 28-5, averaging 76.4 points per game (ranked 162nd in the nation) while shooting at a rate of 44.9% from the field. Their three-point shooting percentage stands at 36.3% (292 out of 805), and they are converting 68.1% from the charity stripe. As a team, they are averaging 37.3 rebounds per game and have recorded a total of 452 assists this season, placing them at 172nd in terms of assists. On average, they commit 9.2 turnovers and 15.8 personal fouls per game.
On the defensive side, the Lumberjacks force 11.8 turnovers each game while averaging 15.2 fouls. Opponents are shooting 30.0% from three-point territory, while Stephen F. Austin ranks 16th in Division 1 for opponent points allowed per game at 65.9. Their defense concedes a shooting percentage of 42.4% (791 out of 1,865), combined with an average of 33.1 rebounds allowed per game. In terms of assists surrendered, they rank 33rd in college basketball, allowing 366 assists for the season.
In their last game, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane lost 81-68 to Wichita State. In the contest, they grabbed 36 defensive rebounds and 10 offensive boards, totaling 46 rebounds overall. However, they committed 17 turnovers while managing to secure 7 steals. Wichita State was called for 24 fouls, giving Tulsa 15 free-throw attempts, of which they converted 10 (66.7%). From long range, Tulsa hit 12 out of 31 shots (38.7%). Overall, they concluded the game with a shooting percentage of 36.5%, converting 23 out of 63 attempts, while allowing Wichita State to shoot 28 of 59 (47.5%). The opposition capitalized on 46.2%, hitting 12 out of 26 from beyond the arc, and finished 13 for 18 (72.2%) at the free-throw line. Opponents managed to collect 41 total rebounds (9 offensive) against Tulsa.
Tylen Riley played a pivotal role for the Golden Hurricane, shooting 6 of 15 for a rate of 40.0%, contributing 4 rebounds and netting 18 points in 33 minutes on the court, along with 5 assists.
For the season, Tulsa holds a record of 26-7. Offensively, they connect on 47.7% of their shots from the field, ranking 45th in the nation. They have scored 2,824 points (averaging 85.6 points per game) and grab 38.0 rebounds on average. Their assist rate stands at 15.6 assists per game (84th in the nation) while averaging 10.5 turnovers. On defense, they commit 16.1 fouls per game and shoot 78.1% from the free-throw line.
The Tulsa defense allows 32.8% shooting from three-point range (266 of 810), and opponents convert 72.1% of their free-throw attempts. They permit 12.7 assists and 32.6 rebounds per game, ranking 126th and 73rd in those metrics, respectively. Defensively, they rank 153rd in Division 1 in points allowed per game at 73.0. Furthermore, they force 10.7 turnovers per game and allow opponents to shoot 42.5% from the field (86th in college).
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Stephen F. Austin (+7)
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