As the Wichita State Shockers gear up to face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exhilarating matchup in the American Athletic Conference. Both teams are looking to turn their seasons around, making this game crucial for their respective campaigns.
Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM ET
Arena: Donald Reynolds Center, Tulsa, OK
With the Shockers struggling at 11-8 (1-5 AAC) and the Golden Hurricane at 8-11 (2-4 AAC), fans can expect a fierce battle as each team vies for victory.
Current Form of Each Team
Wichita State Shockers
The Shockers are currently in a tough spot, sitting at the bottom of the conference standings. They’ve lost four of their last five games, with their most recent outing resulting in a disappointing 61-53 defeat against Memphis. Offensively, Wichita State has shown promise, averaging 75.9 points per game with a respectable shooting percentage of 45.6%. Senior guard **Xavier Bell** leads the team with an average of 14.0 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability and efficiency.
However, defensively, the Shockers have struggled, allowing an average of 74.6 points per game. This inconsistency on defense has been a significant factor in their recent losses. The team will need to tighten up defensively if they hope to secure a win against Tulsa.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
On the other hand, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane are also looking to bounce back after suffering two consecutive losses, including an overtime defeat against East Carolina (85-76). Tulsa’s offense averages 73.84 points per game but has struggled with shooting efficiency, ranking low in field goal percentage at just 42.32%. Leading scorer **Dwon Odom**, who averages 13.5 points per game, will be pivotal in driving their offense.
Defensively, Tulsa has shown some resilience, allowing approximately 73.63 points per game but ranking poorly in overall defensive metrics. Their rebounding has been a bright spot, averaging 38.26 rebounds per game—ranking them among the top teams in that category.
Key Statistics and Notable Injuries
Wichita State Shockers:
– **Scoring:** 75.9 PPG
– **Field Goal Percentage:** 45.6%
– **Three-Point Percentage:** 30.5%
– **Free Throw Percentage:** 72.1%
– **Rebounds:** 51.2% total rebounding rate
– **Injuries:**
– Zane Meeks (Knee – Questionable)
– TJ Williams (Knee – Questionable)
Tulsa Golden Hurricane:
– **Scoring:** 73.84 PPG
– **Field Goal Percentage:** 42.32%
– **Three-Point Percentage:** 31.70%
– **Rebounds:** 38.26 RPG
– **Notable Players:**
– Dwon Odom (13.5 PPG)
– Keaston Willis (contributing significantly on offense)
Why I Pick Over 146.5 Total Points
Given both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities, I am confident in predicting that the total points will exceed 146.5 in this matchup.
1. Offensive Potential: Wichita State’s ability to score an average of nearly 76 points per game indicates they can put up numbers quickly when they find their rhythm on offense.
2. Defensive Struggles: Both teams have shown weaknesses defensively—Wichita State allowing over 74 points per game and Tulsa not far behind—creating an environment ripe for high-scoring plays.
3. Recent Trends: In examining five successful NCAA basketball prediction models, all indicate a high-scoring affair based on current form and statistical analysis:
- (KenPom Adjusted Ratings): Wichita State 78, Tulsa 69 (147 total points)
- (TeamRankings Efficiency): Wichita State 80, Tulsa 68 (148 total points)
- (Haslametrics): Wichita State 77, Tulsa 71 (148 total points)
- (Bart Torvik): Wichita State 79, Tulsa 70 (149 total points)
- (Sagarin Ratings): Wichita State 81, Tulsa 67 (148 total points)
The combined predictions from these models consistently suggest that both teams will score effectively enough to surpass the total points line set at 146.5.
Conclusion
As we approach this exciting matchup between the Wichita State Shockers and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, fans should prepare for an intense battle filled with scoring opportunities and strategic plays. With both teams eager to break their losing streaks, expect a fast-paced game where every possession counts.
In summary:
– Look for Wichita State’s offensive prowess led by Xavier Bell.
– Watch how Tulsa’s rebounding could play a crucial role in limiting second-chance opportunities for the Shockers.
With both teams needing a win and showcasing the potential for high-scoring action, I confidently predict that this game will exceed the total points line of 146.5—setting the stage for what could be one of the most thrilling matchups of the season!
PICK: over 146.5 total points WIN
