The Tulsa Golden Hurricane, also known as the Tulsa team, is hosting the UNC Charlotte 49ers, also referred to as the Charlotte team, in a non-conference matchup at the Reynolds Center, with the home team looking to bounce back from a three-game losing streak that saw them score an average of 71.3 points per game, while allowing 76.3 points per game, resulting in a -5 point differential over that stretch, and more recently, they have been averaging 77 points per game over their last 5 games, while allowing 77.6 points per game. This recent trend of high-scoring games has been a hallmark of Tulsa's season, with their last 5 games featuring an average total score of 154.6 points per game, which is 4.1 points higher than the projected over/under of 150.5 for this matchup. Meanwhile, Charlotte has also been struggling, with a 2-3 record over their last 5 games, during which they have averaged 71.4 points per game, while allowing 77 points per game, resulting in a -5.6 point differential.
The recent form of both teams suggests that this game could be a high-scoring affair, with both teams having shown an inability to consistently defend their opponents, as evidenced by their recent scoring and defensive trends, with Tulsa being outscored by 0.6 points per game over their last 5 games, and Charlotte being outscored by 5.6 points per game over their last 5 games. One player who could potentially exploit these defensive weaknesses is Charlotte's leading scorer, who has been averaging 18.2 points per game over the team's last 5 games, and want to continue this hot streak against a Tulsa defense that has allowed an average of 77.6 points per game over their last 5 games.
Tulsa's Recent Scoring Trend
This matchup will feature several key players, including Tulsa's leading scorer, who has been averaging 21.1 points per game over the team's last 5 games, and Charlotte's leading rebounder, who has been averaging 9.5 rebounds per game over the team's last 5 games. The ability of these players to perform at a high level matters in determining the outcome of this game, as both teams have shown a reliance on their star players to drive their offense and defense. For example, Tulsa's leading scorer has accounted for 32.1% of the team's total points over their last 5 games, while Charlotte's leading rebounder has accounted for 28.5% of the team's total rebounds over their last 5 games.
The CHD Scout prediction has Tulsa winning this game by 12.9 points, with an 86% win probability, which is likely due to the team's strong recent form, as well as their favorable matchup against a Charlotte team that has struggled to defend against high-scoring opponents.
CHD Scout Prediction
Charlotte
70
Tulsa
83
This prediction is likely based on the fact that Tulsa has been averaging 77 points per game over their last 5 games, while Charlotte has been allowing an average of 77 points per game over their last 5 games, resulting in a significant mismatch in favor of the home team. Additionally, Tulsa's recent trend of high-scoring games, with an average total score of 154.6 points per game over their last 5 games, suggests that they may be able to take advantage of Charlotte's defensive weaknesses and score a high number of points in this matchup.
The tournament stakes for this game are significant, particularly for Tulsa, who is currently on the NCAA Tournament bubble and needs to win games like this to build their resume and improve their chances of making the tournament.
A win for Tulsa would be a significant boost to their tournament chances, as it would give them a quality win against a conference opponent and help to offset some of the losses they have suffered in recent weeks. On the other hand, a loss would be a significant setback for the team, as it would drop them to 20-7 on the season and make it more difficult for them to make a case for an at-large bid. For Charlotte, a win would be a major upset and would give them a significant boost to their own tournament chances, as it would be a quality win against a team that is currently ranked higher than them in the NET rankings.
In terms of recent trends, both teams have been struggling to find consistency, with Tulsa having lost 3 of their last 5 games, and Charlotte having lost 3 of their last 5 games as well. However, Tulsa has been showing signs of improvement, with 2 wins in their last 2 games, including a 93-83 win over Wichita State, in which they scored a season-high 93 points and had 5 players score in double figures. This recent trend of high-scoring games suggests that Tulsa may be able to take advantage of Charlotte's defensive weaknesses and score a high number of points in this matchup. Additionally, Charlotte has been struggling to defend against high-scoring opponents, having allowed an average of 77 points per game over their last 5 games, which is 5.6 points higher than their season average.
One area where Charlotte may be able to exploit Tulsa's weaknesses is in the rebounding department, where they have a significant advantage, with an average rebounding margin of +2.5 per game over their last 5 games, compared to Tulsa's average rebounding margin of -1.2 per game over their last 5 games. This could be a key factor in the game, as Charlotte's ability to control the boards and limit Tulsa's second-chance opportunities could help to neutralize their offense and give them a chance to pull off the upset. However, Tulsa's recent trend of high-scoring games, combined with their favorable matchup against a Charlotte team that has struggled to defend against high-scoring opponents, suggests that they may be able to overcome this weakness and emerge victorious.
HEADLINE: Tulsa Golden Hurricane Hosts UNC Charlotte 49ers in Non-Conference Matchup SUBHEADLINE: Tulsa looks to bounce back from three-game losing streak, with 86% win probability against Charlotte, who has lost 3 of their last 5 games, including a 54-77 loss to Memphis, in which they scored a season-low 54 points and had only 2 players score in double figures.