Tulsa vs. Rhode Island Odds, Preview, Picks, and Prediction for Friday, November 7, 2025
Use Code WWWC On Friday, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane will battle the Rhode Island Rams in the 12th-annual Veterans Classic, and we have you ready to go with our Tulsa vs. Rhode Island prediction, odds, and preview. Tip-off from Alumni Hall in Annapolis, MD, is at 6:00 p.m. ET.
The Rams are two-point spread favorites, and the game total is 154.5 points scored.
The Golden Hurricane beat Division-II opponent Oklahoma Christian 100-57 on Monday, and the Rams defeated Stetson 93-62 in their first game. These teams played three times previously and last met in the 2021 Sunshine Slam Tournament. Tulsa won that game 77-71 and leads the series 3-0. If you want the Tulsa vs. Rhode Island prediction, read on to get our top NCAAB predictions and increase your bankroll!
Tulsa added 12 new players during the offseason
Tulsa jumped out to an early lead and never relented in its season opener, holding the Eagles to 33 percent shooting. The Golden Hurricane led by as many as 47 points, scoring 50 in the paint and dominating the visitors on the glass (61-21 rebounding advantage with 23 offensive rebounds). Tulsa also worked its way to the foul line a lot (29-for-37 FT shooting).
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The Golden Hurricane went 13-20 last season, including 6-12 in AAC play. They return only two rotation players, as fourth-year head coach Eric Knokol (34-60 record) added nine transfers and three freshmen during the offseason. Tulsa was picked to finish 8th in the American's 13-team preseason poll.
Sophomore forward Iam Smikle (5.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG) and junior forward Tyler Behrend (1.2 PPG) are the returnees, with Smikle looking to build off an AAC All-Freshman performance. The Golden Hurricane loaded up in the portal in an effort to get back over .500, and one of the new faces, forward David Green, was named to the conference's preseason second team. The 6-foot-7 senior, who led Tulsa with 15 points on Monday, is plenty familiar with Friday's opponent, as he spent the last two seasons at Rhode Island. A few other Tulsa players to watch are junior guard Tylen Riley (7.5 PPG at California Baptist), senior guard Miles Barnstable (14.7 PPG at St. Thomas-Minnesota), and senior forward Romad Dean (6.9 PPG and 5.6 RPG at Fordham).
Tulsa Golden Hurricane Basketball Injury Report: No injuries to report for Friday's game against Rhode Island.
Rhode Island hopes to be an improved defensive team
Rhode Island shot 52 percent in its win over the Hatters, scoring 18 fast-break points and 44 in the paint. The Rams also knocked down 19 of their 24 free throws and won the rebounding battle 44-27. Stetson shot 38 percent from the field and committed 20 turnovers, trailing by as many as 34 points.
Rhody was 18-13 last season, including 7-10 in Atlantic 10 competition. The Rams are led by fourth-year head coach Archie Miller (40-55 record), who spent the previous ten seasons split between Dayton and Indiana. They have progressed from nine wins to 12 and 18 under Miller, building momentum for 2025-26. Rhode Island was picked to finish 12th in the 14-team A-10 basketball preseason poll.
The Rams have a new-look roster, with just one rotation piece returning in team captain and redshirt senior forward Drissa Traore (2.8 PPG). Miller reloaded by signing eight D-I transfers in the offseason, with defense being a priority. Rhody has struggled on that end of the court under Miller (276th in opponent scoring last season), but hopes that former MAC Defensive Player of the Year Tyler Cochran can change that. The senior guard, who sat out last season at Minnesota with a foot injury, averaged 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 steals two seasons ago at Toledo. A few other Rhode Island players to watch are junior forward Jahmere Tripp (7.9 PPG at Fordham), senior forward Keeyan Itejere (7.3 PPG and 5.5 RPG at Western Kentucky), and senior guard Myles Corey (13.8 PPG and 4.3 APG at South Alabama).
Rhode Island Rams Basketball Injury Report: No injuries to report for Friday's game against Tulsa.
Tulsa vs. Rhode Island Pick and Preview
Spread Pick for Tulsa vs. Rhode Island
- Rams -2 (4 Units)
The Rams were 11-1 in non-conference play last season, and while this is a brand-new roster, the Rams should continue that trend on Friday. There is significant pressure on Miller to build off of last season's 18-win campaign, as the once-ballyhooed coach has a warm seat. I believe he'll have his team prepared to compete, and with several Rhody players bringing D-I experience to the court, this team is capable of covering against Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane also dipped into the portal this past offseason, but the caliber of players they attracted was not on par with Rhode Island. Miller should be well-prepared to contain Tulsa star Green, whom he coached the last two seasons. With an emphasis on defense, the Rams will earn another non-conference victory in the Legends Classic.
Over/Under Pick for Tulsa vs. Rhode Island
- Over 154.5 (5 Units)
While Rhode Island should come up with enough stops to win the game and cover the spread, I still anticipate the total to be over 154 points. The Rams averaged 73.2 possessions (41st-most in the nation) last season, so their experienced players will likely push the pace on Friday night. Tulsa was more average-paced (173rd in tempo) last season, which should result in a higher-tempo game with more possessions than average. In a non-conference, neutral court tournament setting, these unfamiliar opponents will put enough points on the scoreboard to push the total over 154.
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