Auburn's Kevin Overton Hits Clutch 3-Pointers in NIT Win Over Tulsa

The Tigers guard came up big in overtime to lead his team to the NIT championship.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white conveying the intensity and drama of the NIT championship game.Overton's clutch 3-pointers in overtime helped the Auburn Tigers capture the NIT championship in a dramatic comeback victory.Auburn Today

Auburn guard Kevin Overton hit two crucial 3-pointers, one to force overtime and another to seal the win, as the Tigers defeated Tulsa 92-86 in the NIT championship game. Overton's clutch shooting helped Auburn overcome a furious second-half comeback by Tulsa and capture the title.

Why it matters

Overton's performance showcased his ability to step up in big moments and lead his team to victory, even after they had squandered a large first-half lead. This win helps provide a positive end to what was otherwise a disappointing regular season for the Tigers, who missed the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Auburn led Tulsa by as many as 21 points in the first half, but the Golden Hurricane stormed back in the second half to erase the deficit and force overtime. With the game tied at 78, Overton hit a clutch 3-pointer to put the Tigers ahead. In overtime, Overton hit another deep 3-pointer to extend Auburn's lead to five points, helping seal the victory.

  • Overton hit the game-tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation.
  • Overton hit a deep 3-pointer in overtime to give Auburn a 5-point lead.

The players

Kevin Overton

A guard for the Auburn Tigers who hit two clutch 3-pointers to lead his team to the NIT championship.

Auburn Tigers

The college basketball team that won the NIT championship after missing the NCAA Tournament.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane

The opponent that Auburn defeated in the NIT championship game after Tulsa staged a furious second-half comeback.

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What they’re saying

“That's just a regular play we have. It's, I can't really give the scheme of what it is, but it's, it's not exactly for me. Well, we got a couple of different options out of that, but I'm not gonna give that up for other reasons. Yeah, it was just basically a moment play.”

— Kevin Overton, Auburn Tigers Guard

“I was kind of prepared for it. I just slipped out of it like I always did. I ran it right, and he gave me the ball, and I was, like I said, ready for the moment.”

— Kevin Overton, Auburn Tigers Guard

“I just knocked it down and the deep three was just kind of heat checked. I feel like that was a normal shot for me all year, so I just shot it and it went in.”

— Kevin Overton, Auburn Tigers Guard

“I think we were just focused. I think at that point there wasn't really a whole lot to talk about. We kind of knew where we were, so we just listened to the game plan, what the coaches said, and we just had a togetherness and a feel to us, and we just went out there, and we played.”

— Kevin Overton, Auburn Tigers Guard

“Obviously we didn't wanna be where we were, but we're the ones who got in that situation. So let's just go make the best of it.”

— Kevin Overton, Auburn Tigers Guard

What’s next

Overton and the Auburn Tigers will look to build on their NIT championship as they prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 college basketball season.

The takeaway

Kevin Overton's clutch 3-point shooting in the NIT championship game showcased his ability to step up in big moments and lead his team to victory, even after they had squandered a large first-half lead. This win helps provide a positive end to what was otherwise a disappointing regular season for the Tigers, who missed the NCAA Tournament.