Game: Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Charlotte 49ers

Date: January 14th at 7:00 PM ET

Where to Watch: ESPN+

The long grind of the college basketball season continues for the Charlotte 49ers on Wednesday night, as they return home to take on Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane have gotten off to a strong start this season, entering the matchup with a 13–3 overall record, though they are just 1–2 in conference play so far. With this game being played on the road, Tulsa is facing a quad 3 opponent (Charlotte is 170th in the NET rankings), a quadrant in which they are 4–1 this season. Tulsa has been efficient on the offensive end, averaging 85.2 points per game (39th in D1), though they have been more vulnerable defensively, allowing 73.5 points per game (148th in D1).

Charlotte narrowly escaped Texas with a tight win over Rice, improving to 9–8 overall and 3–1 in American Conference play. With Tulsa ranked 55th in the NET, this contest represents a quad 2 opportunity for the 49ers, a quadrant in which they are 0–1 this season. Offensively, Charlotte averages 73.7 points per game (205th in D1), while allowing 72.6 points per game on defense (122nd in D1). With Tulsa showing some early flaws in conference play, this sets up as a potential opportunity for Charlotte to carry its momentum forward.

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Betting Overview

The spread has remained steady, with Tulsa holding as a 3.5-point favorite. On the moneyline, the best value for Tulsa sits at -160, while Charlotte can be found as high as +172. The total has also held firm at 150.5.

KenPom Ratings

Tulsa enters ranked 84th in the KenPom ratings with a +10.26 net rating, while Charlotte sits 177th with a -1.22 net rating. The Golden Hurricane own an adjusted offensive efficiency of 119.4 (42nd nationally), paired with an adjusted defensive efficiency of 109.2 (177th nationally). Charlotte, meanwhile, posts an adjusted offensive efficiency of 112.0 (116th nationally) and an adjusted defensive efficiency of 113.2 (270th nationally).

Betting Trends

Looking at the last four meetings between these teams dating back to 2022, each side has picked up two wins, while also splitting evenly against the spread. Totals have leaned slightly toward the under, with one over, two unders, and one push across those matchups.

Tulsa enters this game 8–5–1 ATS on the season, but has struggled away from home with a 1–3 road record and a 0–3 mark as an away favorite. They are also 2–3 ATS with four or more days off, and 1–2 ATS in American Conference play. Totals have heavily favored the over, hitting in 10 of 14 Tulsa games, including all four road games, four of five with four or more days rest, and two of three conference contests.

Charlotte sits at an even 8–8 ATS this year, with a 5–4 record at home, a 1–1 mark as a home underdog, a 5–4 record with two to three days off, and a 2–2 record in conference play. Totals have also trended toward the over in 49ers games, hitting in nine of 16 overall. At home, the over has cashed in five of nine games, while splitting in games as a home underdog. With two to three days off, the over has hit in five of nine, and in conference play it has hit in three of four.

Final Thoughts

This feels like a spot where sportsbooks are trying to account for recent trends from both teams. Charlotte has been fairly average when it comes to covering the number over the course of the season, while Tulsa has shown more volatility away from home. I expect Tulsa to win and cover this matchup, but with the total sitting where it is, I lean toward the under in this spot.