Tulsa Edges Denver in High-Scoring Thriller
Monday, December 22, 2025, 3:00 PM ET · Reynolds Center
Tulsa Golden Hurricane 90, Denver Pioneers 85, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Denver Pioneers vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane?
Tulsa Golden Hurricane beat Denver Pioneers 90-85 at Reynolds Center on December 22, 2025.
Who was favored in Denver Pioneers vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane?
Tulsa Golden Hurricane were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1600 (about 94% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Reynolds Center, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane narrowly defeated the Denver Pioneers with a final score of 90-85. This game showcased the offensive prowess of both teams, with Tulsa continuing its impressive home record and Denver fighting hard despite their struggles on the road.
Tulsa entered the game with a strong home record of 12-1, and they have been particularly dominant recently, winning nine of their last ten games. The Golden Hurricane are currently on an eight-game winning streak, averaging 89.0 points per game while allowing 72.6 points. Their recent form includes a notable victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers just two days prior, where they won 82-81. Tulsa's last five games have seen them score an average of 98.2 points, indicating their offensive capabilities.
On the other hand, the Denver Pioneers have had a mixed season, holding a 7-8 overall record. However, they have shown signs of improvement with a 6-4 record in their last ten games and a two-game winning streak. Denver's scoring average in this stretch is 88.0 points, but they have also struggled defensively, allowing an average of 86.4 points. Their recent victories include a decisive win against the Northern Colorado Bears, where they scored 86 points.
Tulsa has been particularly effective at home, boasting a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games. In contrast, Denver has struggled on the road with a 2-3 away record in their last five games. This disparity in performance at home versus away was evident in the matchup, as Tulsa managed to maintain control throughout.
The game featured several key scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In the second half, Carson Johnson made a crucial 15-foot jumper, bringing Denver within striking distance at 79-87. Jeremiah Burke contributed to Denver's efforts by sinking free throws, bringing the score to 81-87. Tulsa's Miles Barnstable responded with his own free throws, pushing the score to 89-81. The Pioneers fought back with a three-point jumper from Johnson, narrowing the gap to 85-89, but Tulsa's Tyler Behrend sealed the game with a free throw, finalizing the score at 90-85.
In terms of betting, DraftKings set the spread at Tulsa -16.5, indicating a strong expectation for the Golden Hurricane to win decisively. The total for the game was set at 160.5, reflecting the anticipated high-scoring nature of the matchup. Tulsa's money line was listed at -1600.0, while Denver's was at 900.0, further emphasizing the odds in favor of the home team.
The conditions in the Reynolds Center were conducive to an exciting game, with both teams showcasing their offensive skills. Viewers were treated to a fast-paced contest, with Tulsa's ability to score efficiently being a focal point. The Golden Hurricane's recent form, combined with their home advantage, played a significant role in their victory over the Pioneers.
Overall, this game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Tulsa solidifying their status as a formidable opponent at home while Denver continues to seek consistency in their performance.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TLSA -16.5 | 160.5 o -112 / u -108 | Denver Pioneers +900 · Tulsa Golden Hurricane -1600 |
Leaders
- PointsDavid Green23Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- AssistsTylen Riley4Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- ReboundsTylen Riley6Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- PointsCarson Johnson20Denver Pioneers
- AssistsZane Nelson6Denver Pioneers
- ReboundsGabe Oldham11Denver Pioneers
Recent form
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Last 10: 9-1Streak W889 scored · 72.6 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W82-81at Western Kentucky HilltoppersDec 20
- W83-70at New Mexico State AggiesDec 13
- W117-84vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsDec 11
- W98-74vs Missouri State BearsDec 6
- W111-60vs Manhattan Christian ThunderDec 3
- W63-60vs Northern Iowa PanthersNov 26
- W81-51at San José State SpartansNov 25
- W84-75vs Austin Peay GovernorsNov 22
- L83-84at Kansas State WildcatsNov 18
- W88-87at Oral Roberts Golden EaglesNov 13
Denver Pioneers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W288 scored · 86.4 allowed per game2-3 away
- W86-79at Northern Colorado BearsDec 20
- W129-93vs Colorado Colorado Springs Mountain LionsDec 17
- L86-105vs Cal State Fullerton TitansDec 13
- W97-61vs Alaska Anchorage SeawolvesDec 12
- W95-59vs Colorado Christian CougarsDec 10
- L79-93at Idaho State BengalsDec 6
- W93-89vs Eastern Washington EaglesDec 4
- L59-101at Wyoming CowboysNov 27
- L73-103at Arizona WildcatsNov 25
- W83-81at Colorado State RamsNov 22
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga | 31-4 | - | 16-2 |
| Saint Mary's | 27-6 | - | 16-2 |
| Santa Clara | 26-9 | 1 | 15-3 |
| Oregon State | 17-16 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Seattle U | 21-14 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Pacific | 18-15 | 8 | 8-10 |
| San Francisco | 17-16 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Washington State | 12-20 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Loyola Marymount | 15-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Portland | 15-19 | 10 | 6-12 |
| San Diego | 12-21 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Pepperdine | 9-23 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Florida | 25-9 | - | 15-3 |
| Tulsa | 30-8 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Wichita State | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| UAB | 20-12 | 4 | 11-7 |
| North Texas | 19-14 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Florida Atlantic | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Charlotte | 17-17 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Tulane | 18-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Temple | 16-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Memphis | 13-19 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rice | 13-18 | 8 | 7-11 |
| East Carolina | 11-20 | 9 | 6-12 |
| UTSA | 5-25 | 14 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Pioneers | Tulsa Golden Hurricane |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-65 | 33-74 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 6-23 | 6-21 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 29 |
| Free throws | 21-26 | 18-24 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 23 |
| Assists | 13 | 11 |
| Steals | 5 | 12 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 54 |
| Fouls | 21 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half54-55Carson Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half55-55Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half55-57Ian Smikle makes layup (Tylen Riley assists)
- 2nd Half56-57Logan Kinsey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-57Logan Kinsey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-59Myles Rigsby makes layup (Tylen Riley assists)
- 2nd Half58-59Gabe Oldham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-59Gabe Oldham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-61Tylen Riley makes layup
- 2nd Half60-61Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-61Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63David Green makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-66Miles Barnstable makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tylen Riley assists)
- 2nd Half64-66Zane Nelson makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half64-68David Green makes layup
- 2nd Half64-69David Green makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-69Gabe Oldham makes layup (Zane Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half66-71David Green makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-72David Green makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-72Carson Johnson makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half68-74Tylen Riley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-76Myles Rigsby makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-76Jeremiah Burke makes layup (Zane Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half71-76Jeremiah Burke makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-78Tylen Riley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-79David Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-82Myles Rigsby makes 24-foot three point jumper (David Green assists)
- 2nd Half74-82Jeremiah Burke makes 24-foot three point jumper (Carson Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half74-83Tylen Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-84Tylen Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-87David Green makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ade Popoola assists)
- 2nd Half77-87Zane Nelson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Gabe Oldham assists)
- 2nd Half79-87Carson Johnson makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half80-87Jeremiah Burke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-87Jeremiah Burke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-88Miles Barnstable makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-89Miles Barnstable makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-89Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-89Carson Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jeremiah Burke assists)
- 2nd Half85-90Tyler Behrend makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Tulsa Golden Hurricane, below favours Denver Pioneers.
Venue
- Reynolds CenterTulsa, OK
- Attendance3595
- OfficialsPatrick Evans, Pat Adams, Michael Wallace
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond