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Auburn hopes to cap off the season with a trophy when the Tigers face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in the NIT Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse tonight.
This game sets up to become an offensive slugfest, and my Tulsa vs. Auburn predictions and college basketball picks explain why you should bet on just that.
Tulsa vs Auburn prediction
Who will win Tulsa vs Auburn?
Auburn: Auburn’s athleticism makes this a difficult matchup for Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane are far too reliant on the outside shot, and Auburn’s size will disrupt them inside. The Tigers are more efficient offensively, and their offensive rebounding ability will be the deciding factor.
Tulsa vs Auburn best bet: Over 160 (-116)
Both teams struggle to defend the opposing offense’s strengths. The Auburn Tigers rank in the 90th percentile in success attacking the rim, with Tulsa ranking in the 38th percentile in defending that action.
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane also allows 1.30 ppp on offensive rebound scrambles, an area where Auburn thrives. The Golden Hurricane can also be hurt by Auburn’s ability to post up inside.
Meanwhile, the Tigers rank in the bottom half in defending rim attacks and ensuing kickouts, and 344th in opponent 3-point percentage. As such, 45% of Tulsa’s shots come from attacking the rim.
I expect both teams to get to 80 points, so take the Over.
COVERS INTEL: Auburn has posted an offensive rebound rate of at least 30% in five straight games.Tulsa vs Auburn same-game parlay
Tulsa’s struggles to defend the rim attacks of Auburn, combined with the second chances from offensive rebounds, open up our SGP selections.
Kevin Overton has shot 51.5% from downtown in the NIT and has hit at least four treys in three of the four contests. He will have a height advantage as well over whichever Tulsa guard is manning him.
Tahaad Pettiford should find some easy assists as he penetrates the lane, given his 23.8% assist rate in the tournament. He only needs four assists to clear his prop, a mark he’s reached in three of his four NIT games.
Tulsa vs Auburn SGP
- Over 160
- Kevin Overton Over 2.5 threes
- Tahaad Pettiford Over 3.5 assists
Our beyond the arc SGP: Raining threes!
I expect plenty of outside attempts from a pair of teams that have been letting fly in this tournament.
Tulsa guard Miles Barnstable is a sharpshooter and has hit 3+ triples in three straight games. His teammate Ade Popoola has shot 51.7% from deep in the competition, with at least three makes in all four games.
Keyshawn Hall has shot 36.4% from deep in the NIT, with multiple makes in three of his four games. He will also benefit from the kick-outs from his teammates.
Tulsa vs Auburn SGP
- Ade Popoola Over 2.5 threes
- Miles Barnstable Over 2.5 threes
- Kevin Overton Over 2.5 threes
- Keyshawn Hall Over 1.5 threes
Tulsa vs Auburn odds
- Spread: Tulsa +5.5 | Auburn -5.5
- Moneyline: Tulsa +180 | Auburn -220
- Over/Under: Over 160 | Under 160
Tulsa vs Auburn betting trend to know
Tulsa has gone Over the total in 16 of its last 25 games for +6.1 units and a 22% ROI. Find more college basketball betting trends for Tulsa vs. Auburn.
How to watch Tulsa vs Auburn
| Location | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Tulsa vs Auburn 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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