Preview: Tulsa vs. New Mexico in NCAA Tournament

INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — A high-powered Tulsa offense meets a surging New Mexico squad in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball tournament matchup Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The No. 9-seeded Golden Hurricane (29-7) enter with momentum, having won seven of their last eight games. Their most recent result was an 83-79 victory over Wichita State on March 24, fueled by 24 points from Miles Barnstable and 21 points and six assists from guard Tylen Riley.

Riley has been a consistent catalyst for Tulsa, averaging 16.6 points and 5.3 assists over his last seven contests. His backcourt play will be critical against a formidable Lobos defense.

The No. 8-seeded Lobos (26-10) have won four of their last five, including an 84-69 rout of Saint Joseph’s on March 24. Forward Tomislav Buljan erupted for 27 points in that win and is averaging 18.7 points over his last six games, providing a versatile scoring threat.

New Mexico, installed as a 3.5-point favorite, boasts a potent offense that has topped 84 points in three of its last four victories. However, the Lobos have shown occasional vulnerability, with three losses in their last seven games.

Tulsa’s resilience is notable, with overtime wins over Stephen F. Austin and a triple-overtime victory against North Texas this month. Their balanced attack features multiple scoring options beyond Riley.

The game’s tempo could be decisive. The over/under is set at 161 points, suggesting an expectation of an up-tempo contest between two teams capable of explosive offensive runs.

The winner will advance to face the victor of Thursday’s game between seed Purdue and seed Fairleigh Dickinson.

Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 12:40 p.m. EDT Thursday. The game will be televised on CBS.