Tulsa vs UTSA Picks and Prediction – 1/8/2025

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-9, 0-2 AAC) visit the UTSA Roadrunners (6-7, 0-1 AAC) in a key conference matchup. Tulsa looks to bounce back from a rough 83-51 loss to UAB, while UTSA hopes to recover after a 92-63 defeat at Tulane. Both teams are aiming to end losing streaks. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Tulsa has averaged 74.7 points per game but struggles defensively, allowing 74.1 points per contest. Keaston Willis leads the team offensively with 13.1 points per game, shooting 41.6% from the field and 86.2% from the free-throw line. Ian Smikle contributes 5.7 rebounds per game, while Dwon Odom is the playmaker with 4.1 assists per game. Tulsa hits 41.6% of its field goals but needs to improve its 3-point shooting and free-throw consistency to keep pace.

Defensively, Tulsa has allowed opponents to shoot efficiently, resulting in back-to-back losses. The Golden Hurricane forces 6.9 steals per game but struggles with interior defense, managing only 3.1 blocks. Tulsa needs more consistency protecting the rim and limiting turnovers to avoid giving UTSA easy scoring opportunities.

UTSA averages 79.2 points per game, led by Primo Spears, who posts an impressive 21.0 points per contest with a 42.7% field goal percentage. Spears also leads the team in assists with 3.5 per game, while Jonnivius Smith dominates the boards, averaging 8.2 rebounds. The Roadrunners shoot 42.0% from the floor and rely heavily on their ability to score in transition to create advantages.

Defensively, UTSA allows 78.5 points per game, and the team’s struggles to contain opponents were evident in its recent losses. Despite forcing 10.3 steals per game, UTSA needs to tighten up interior defense, as opponents have capitalized on second-chance opportunities. Smith’s 1.7 blocks per game will be crucial in anchoring the defense against Tulsa’s inside presence.

UTSA’s offensive firepower gives them the upper hand in this matchup. Primo Spears has been a consistent scorer, and the Roadrunners’ defensive pressure could exploit Tulsa’s turnover issues. Look for UTSA to dominate the boards and capitalize on fast breaks. Final Score Prediction: UTSA Roadrunners wins and covers 81-72.