The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (18-13, 8-10 AAC) will be 1.5-point underdogs in the American Athletic Conference Tournament at FedExForum when they square off with the SMU Mustangs (14-16, 6-12 AAC). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 140.5 points and it will air on ESPNU at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
SMU Mustangs vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Mustangs (2-point underdogs) covered in a 77-71 victory over the South Florida Bulls. The Golden Hurricane were defeated by the Memphis Tigers, 66-63, but did cover as 8.5-point underdogs. The SMU game finished 15 points over the projected point total of 133, while the Tulsa game finished 29 points under the projected point total of 158.
SMU’s 0.640 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over South Florida, who had a mark of 0.400. The Mustangs’ mark was above their season average of 0.505, while the Bulls’ was below their season average of 0.495. Tulsa, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (15.8 vs. 18.1). Tulsa was lifted by Lawson Korita, who put up 12 points and seven rebounds. Feron Hunt, meanwhile had a good game for SMU, finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Of the Mustangs’ 30 games, 16 have finished over the O/U total. SMU heads into the contest with records of 14-16 straight up (SU) and 12-18 against the spread (ATS).
Just over half of Golden Hurricane games have finished over the projected point total. Further, Tulsa owns records of 18-13 SU and 15-16 ATS.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Tulsa should have a considerable advantage. The Golden Hurricane defense ranks 62nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.480), while the SMU offense is ranked 190th in effective field goal percentage (0.508). The Mustangs should have an advantage in terms of ball security. They rank 56th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent). Conversely, the Golden Hurricane force the 97th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.7 percent).
SMU Mustangs vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Tulsa, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- SMU ranks 84th in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while Tulsa ranks 294th in three pointers allowed per game (26.6).
- The Golden Hurricane average 13.2 assists per game, which ranks 151st in the country. The Mustangs rank 252nd in assists allowed per game (15.2).
- SMU ranks 46th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Tulsa ranks 91st (3.1).
- The Mustangs rank 12th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Golden Hurricane rank 158th (6.7).
- SMU ranks 119th in rebounds allowed per game (34.3) while Tulsa ranks 233rd (37.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Mustangs are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Golden Hurricane are 2-3.
- In their last five games, SMU has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Tulsa has 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
- During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 61.6 points per game (10.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.0 points per game (4.9 above their season average).
- The Golden Hurricane have been outscored by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Tulsa has defeated opponents by an average of 1.1 points.
