The NIT semifinals take place on Thursday in Indianapolis, beginning with New Mexico (26-10) vs. Tulsa (29-7), which have combined for 55 victories. The first game of ESPN's doubleheader tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET.
The Lobos dominated in the first three rounds of the NIT, defeating Sam Houston State, George Washington, and St. Joseph’s at home by a combined margin of +21.3 points per game. Meanwhile, the Golden Hurricane also reached this round with three consecutive home victories but needed overtime to stave off Stephen F. Austin before knocking out UNLV and Wichita State.
According to PrizePicks Team Picks, New Mexico is favored by 4.5 points for the spread. Let’s look at our New Mexico vs. Tulsa prediction on the spread for Thursday’s showdown at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
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New Mexico vs. Tulsa Prediction, Spread, Over/Under
The Lobos and Golden Hurricane last squared off in 1998, and Thursday marks the fourth all-time meeting between these schools.
New Mexico finished 21-14 against the spread (ATS) this season, compared to a 17-17 ATS mark for Tulsa.
Both were consistent over squads, as the Lobos compiled a 23-12 mark to the over, while the Golden Hurricane finished 23-11 for the over.
New Mexico vs. Tulsa Spread, Over/Under
The Lobos enter this matchup as 4.5-point favorites, returning a 1.53x payout on PrizePicks Team Picks if they win outright.
The Golden Hurricane are underdogs with a 2.43x payout if they win, where you can earn money with your picks in 35 states.
- Spread: New Mexico -4.5 (2x)
- Over/Under: 160.5
- Game Winner Payout: New Mexico 1.53x | Tulsa 2.43x
(Team Picks data is live as of writing and is subject to change)
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New Mexico vs. Tulsa Prediction on Spread for NIT Semifinals – 4/2/26
Here are some key stats to know before locking in your New Mexico vs. Tulsa NIT semifinal prediction on spread for Thursday, April 2, on PrizePicks.
- The Lobos own the highest scoring average in the NIT at 92.3 points per game (PPG), along with the top scoring margin at +21.3 PPG.
- After covering three NIT contests with ease, New Mexico seeks its seventh consecutive point spread cover.
- Tulsa squandered a 24-point lead vs. Wichita State in the quarterfinals but managed to hold on for an 83-79 victory.
- The Golden Hurricane is listed as an underdog for the first time in 11 games, dating back to a four-point loss to Wichita State on February 14.
- Tulsa played eight games against teams ranked in KenPom's top 100, posting a 4-4 record. UNM sits 44th, which will be the highest-ranked team that Tulsa has faced this season.
- The Lobos are 10th in 3-point shot distribution allowed (30.2%) and led the Mountain West for this category during league play.
- We’ll see if New Mexico can handle Tulsa from downtown, as the Golden Hurricane are fifth with a 38.9% mark from 3-point land.
- Since losing at New Mexico State in November, the Lobos have won in each of their last six opportunities as a favorite away from Albuquerque.
- The Lobos shot 30.0% from deep vs. St. Joseph’s in the NIT quarterfinals. In the last five occasions of converting less than 30% on its 3-point tries, UNM has bounced back by hitting 41.8% from downtown.
Make New Mexico vs. Tulsa Picks on PrizePicks
The Lobos and Golden Hurricane seek a spot in the NIT championship game against the winner of Illinois State vs. Auburn. Which offense will remain hot in Thursday’s semifinal showdown in Indianapolis?
You can make your New Mexico vs. Tulsa NIT semifinal picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats, and cash in if you’re correct. With Team Picks, make predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 35 states.
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