Auburn's Kevin Overton named NIT Most Outstanding Player

Overton's clutch 3-pointer in final seconds sent the NIT championship game to overtime, where Auburn prevailed.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:33am

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Auburn guard Kevin Overton was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 NIT tournament after his heroic performance in the championship game against Tulsa. Overton hit a game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime, where Auburn went on to win 92-86 and secure the program's first-ever NIT title.

Why it matters

Overton's clutch shooting and leadership were instrumental in Auburn's NIT championship run, capping off a successful season for the Tigers' basketball program. The NIT title represents an important milestone for the team as they look to build momentum heading into the next NCAA season.

The details

In the NIT championship game against Tulsa, Auburn had built a 21-point lead but let it slip away as Tulsa rallied late. With Auburn trailing by five in the final minute of regulation, Overton hit a corner 3-pointer in the closing seconds to tie the game and send it to overtime. In the extra period, Auburn pulled away to win 92-86 and claim the NIT title. Overton led all scorers with 26 points and shot 5-of-8 from 3-point range.

  • The 2026 NIT championship game took place on April 5, 2026.

The players

Kevin Overton

A guard for the Auburn Tigers basketball team who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 NIT tournament after his heroic performance in the championship game.

Auburn Tigers

The men's basketball team from Auburn University that won the 2026 NIT championship, the program's first-ever NIT title.

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What they’re saying

“I just trust my work. My teammates trust me to make shots. I do what I can, and as you can tell, it's all love around me.”

— Kevin Overton

What’s next

The Auburn Tigers will look to build on their NIT championship success and make a deep run in the 2026-2027 NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

Kevin Overton's clutch performance in the NIT championship game cemented his status as a hero for the Auburn Tigers, leading the team to their first-ever NIT title and showcasing the program's bright future.