The Illinois State Redbirds (3-4) will be at home in Redbird Arena when they challenge the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4-3). The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 149 points with Illinois State opening as a 3-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Illinois State Redbirds Free Preview
In the Golden Hurricane’s last contest, they defeated the UTSA Roadrunners, 100-96. Junior Etou was Tulsa’s leading scorer with 20 points on 5-for-8 shooting. The Golden Hurricane had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 40.5 (above their season average of 27.0) and had a turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 17.1).
The Redbirds are hoping for a better outcome after their 98-68 loss to the Nevada Wolf Pack in their last outing. With 13 points, Illinois State’s Keyshawn Evans played well. Nevada’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Wolf Pack had more offensive rebounds (11 vs. four), defensive rebounds (31 vs. 20) and total rebounds (42 vs. 24).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Illinois State ranks 306th in possessions per game (66.7) and Tulsa is 260th (68.1) dating back to the 2016-17 season.
Both of these teams have typically finished over the O/U total. Tulsa games have gone over 100.0 percent of the time, while 75.0 percent of games involving Illinois State have finished over. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Golden Hurricane have a substantial advantage. They are 4-3 SU and 3-2 ATS, while the Redbirds are 3-4 SU and 2-2 ATS.
These teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined for 152 points, which was over the projected point total of 144. The Redbirds won 84-68, covering as 2-point underdogs. Illinois State had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.694 vs. 0.424). Tulsa, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (16.9 vs. 21.2). Evans scored a game-high 29 points.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Illinois State Redbirds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois State, ATS Winner – Tulsa, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Redbirds rank 135th in assists per game (14.1) while the Golden Hurricane rank 271st (11.7).
- Illinois State ranks 69th in steals per game (7.0) while Tulsa ranks 277th (4.5).
- The Redbirds rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Golden Hurricane rank 226th (4.1).
- Illinois State averages 23.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 71st in the NCAA. Tulsa ranks 241st in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
