Overview
The postseason shifts to Hinkle Fieldhouse as the New Mexico Lobos face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in the 2026 NIT semifinals.
Game Details:
- Matchup: New Mexico Lobos vs. Tulsa Hurricanes
- Location: Hinkle Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, IN)
- When: April 2nd, 2026
- Tipoff: 7:00 p.m. MT
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: Lobo Radio Network (770 KKOB AM)
The New Mexico Lobos (26–10) will face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (29–7) in the NIT Semifinals on Thursday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
New Mexico is now the only Mountain West Conference team still playing in the NIT, while no Mountain West teams remain in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, that says volumes about Eric Olen, his staff, and team have
done this year.
Tipoff is at 7 p.m. EDT on ESPN. New Mexico holds a tournament-best average of 92.3 points per game, while Tulsa is one of the hottest teams in the country with a 9–1 record in its last 10 games. This matchup should be exciting.
Both teams are playing well, and a spot in the NIT Championship Game is on the line. For New Mexico, this is also an opportunity to boost the program’s and the Mountain West Conference’s national profile.
Team Outlooks
New Mexico Lobos (26–10)
New Mexico advanced to the semifinals after one of its best games of the season, defeating Saint Joseph’s 84–69. The Lobos dominated the second half with efficient offense and solid defense.
They shot 47.5% from the field, made 22 of 28 free throws, and won the rebounding battle 38–31. They also stayed composed, committing only 11 fouls and disrupting Saint Joseph’s offense.
Tomislav Buljan led the team with 27 points and 11 rebounds, making an impact on both offense and defense.
This season, New Mexico averages 81.5 points per game while shooting 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range.
Their fast pace, strong turnover margin, and rebounding make them one of the most dangerous offensive teams remaining in the NIT.
On defense, the Lobos force 13.6 turnovers per game and hold opponents to 41.9% shooting. This strong defensive effort supports their transition offense, which is a key part of coach Eric Olen’s strategy.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (29–7)
Tulsa advanced to the semifinals with a hard-fought 83–79 victory over Wichita State, demonstrating composure and solid execution in a tight game.
The Golden Hurricane depended on perimeter shooting and free throws, making 41.4% of their three-pointers and 87.5% of their free throws, which was crucial to their victory.
Tulsa is known for discipline and efficiency. They favor a slower, half-court style, emphasizing quality possessions and minimizing mistakes.
They average 85.4 points per game on 47% shooting, making them one of the most efficient teams remaining.
Defensively, Tulsa permits 73.3 points per game, and opponents shoot 42.6%, with a solid three-point defense at 32%.
They don’t force many turnovers, but they consistently contest shots and remain organized on defense.
Players to Watch
New Mexico
- Jake Hall (G) – Top scorer with 16.3 PPG, excels at long-range shooting, the Steph Curry of this team, can flat out shoot the rock
- Tomislav Buljan (F) – Dominant inside scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the last game. When he is on his game, he is very hard to stop opposing teams.
- Uriah Tenette (G) – Skilled scorer, good at transition plays, very athletic
- Deyton Albury (G) – Playmaker, influential in scoring, assists, and defense.
- Luke Haupt (F) – A versatile contributor in all areas, making the entire team better
Tulsa
- Daron Green (G) – Leading scorer (15.7 PPG) takes over offensively, can shoot the rock, and score
- Tyler Behrend (F) – Key rebounder, anchors paint defense, physical inside the paint
- Tyler Riley (G) – Main ball handler sets the pace and offense.
- Miles Barnstable (G) – Key scorer just had 24 points.
What to Watch For
Tempo Battle
New Mexico performs best when playing at a fast pace, leveraging transition offense to obtain quality shots. Tulsa excels in a slower, half-court style, limiting possessions and controlling the game tempo.
The team that controls the pace will probably have the advantage since tempo influences both teams’ styles and scoring opportunities.
Turnovers & Transition
The Lobos often force turnovers, which helps them speed up the game and turn defense into fast-break points.
If Tulsa protects the ball and slows down the game, they can force New Mexico to play out of its comfort zone, limiting transition opportunities and boosting their own efficiency.
Both teams can shoot well from long range, but New Mexico’s quick scoring runs could be the deciding factor.
Tulsa’s solid free-throw shooting could keep them competitive late in the game.
Mountain West Impact
This game is especially significant for the Mountain West Conference. With multiple teams in postseason play this year, New Mexico reaching the NIT semifinals demonstrates that the league is earning national respect.
A win would send the Lobos to the NIT Championship Game and further demonstrate that the Mountain West is among the top non-power conferences in college basketball. I
It would also sustain the momentum the league has established this season, with several teams performing well on a national level.
This is an opportunity for New Mexico. This is a chance for New Mexico to advance and show off the conference on a big postseason stage outside the NCAA Tournament.
Thursday’s matchup is more than just another postseason game—it presents a chance to create a defining moment in an already memorable year.
New Mexico is aiming for its first NIT title game appearance in over twenty years, while Tulsa seeks to extend one of the nation’s most impressive hot streaks on a national stage.
With varying playing styles, increasing confidence, and a shot at the championship on the line, this semifinal promises to be memorable.
This game highlights New Mexico’s speed and scoring skills compared to Tulsa’s discipline and efficiency; this should be a very fun game to watch for both Lobo and Hurricane fans.
Tulsa will likely stay competitive early by controlling the tempo, but New Mexico’s depth, athleticism, and knack for forcing turnovers could take control as the game progresses.
Prediction: New Mexico 80, Tulsa 70
