UNLV vs Tulsa Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's NIT Tournament Game

Jason Ence - Contributor at Covers.com
Jason Ence • Betting Analyst 13+ years betting experience
Updated: Mar 22, 2026 , 10:41 AM ET • 4 min read

Our UNLV vs. Tulsa predictions trust the Golden Hurricane to take advantage of their matchup advantages.

NCAAB

Match starts: 6 hrs
UNLV
57 %
TLSA
43 %
EXPERT PICK - SPREAD
Tulsa -4.5 (-110) Tulsa -4.5 (-110)
Read Analysis
Jaylen Lawal Tulsa Golden Hurricane NIT
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Jaylen Lawal drives to the hoop in a game against Kansas State.

The UNLV Rebels and Tulsa Golden Hurricane will meet tonight as they battle for a spot in the NIT quarterfinals. 

The Golden Hurricane have been a force at home this season, and my UNLV vs. Tulsa predictions and college basketball picks explain why that won’t change tonight.

UNLV vs Tulsa prediction

Who will win UNLV vs Tulsa?

Tulsa: The Golden Hurricane execute their half-court offense exceptionally well, and the UNLV Rebels have struggled to defend efficient offensive attacks without fouling. There's also a definitive split in Tulsa’s metrics that show a much better performance at home this season, while UNLV has allowed opponents to shoot 36.8% from downtown in road games. 

UNLV vs Tulsa best bet: Tulsa -4.5 (-110)

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane thrive on attacking off the dribble, either leading to kickout 3-point shots or free throws. That’s bad news for a UNLV defense ranked in the 37th percentile or worse at defending rim attacks and attack-and-kick actions

The Rebels rank 340th in FT rate allowed since February 1, and Tulsa ranks Top 5 in 3-point accuracy and Top 15 in FT%.

UNLV relies heavily on transition baskets. Tulsa’s ability to make shots and get to the line negates that, and the Golden Hurricane defend those opportunities well.

Tulsa will control the tempo and build an advantage via treys and FTs.  

Covers COVERS INTEL: Tulsa ranks in the 96th percentile with 1.10 points per possession on attack-and-kick actions, accounting for nearly 18% of its offensive possessions. 

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UNLV vs Tulsa same-game parlay

UNLV shoots well from long range, but the Rebels prefer to attack inside. Their only high-volume shooters from deep are Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Issac Williamson, the latter of whom is very inconsistent. 

Much of the offensive output for the Rebels comes via the aforementioned transition attacks, perimeter cuts, and inside-out passing as they thrive at the mid-range game. Tulsa defends all of those actions fairly well, however, holding opponents to just 35.1% accuracy on midrange jumpers.

The lower tempo will keep this total down as the Golden Hurricane force UNLV to play in the half-court more often. 

UNLV vs Tulsa SGP

  • Tulsa -4.5
  • Under 161.5

UNLV vs Tulsa odds

  • Spread: UNLV +4.5 | Tulsa -4.5
  • Moneyline: UNLV +165 | Tulsa -200
  • Over/Under: Over 161.5 | Under 161.5

UNLV vs Tulsa betting trend to know

Tulsa has gone Over its team total in 17 of its last 25 games for +7.65 units and a 26% ROI. Find more college basketball betting trends for UNLV vs. Tulsa.

How to watch UNLV vs Tulsa

Location Reynolds Center, Tulsa, OK
Date Sunday, March 22, 2026
Tip-off 7:00 p.m. ET
TV ESPNU

UNLV vs Tulsa key injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Jason Ence - Covers
Betting Analyst

Jason has been hooked on football since watching Real Madrid and Manchester United in the 2003 Champions League, and has been betting on the sport for nearly 15 years. He has given soccer gambling and fantasy advice for nearly a decade, writing for sites including Rotowire, SB Nation, and The TwinSpires Edge.

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