Auburn Wins First NIT Championship Over Tulsa

Kevin Overton hits clutch shots in overtime to lead Tigers to victory.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:23am

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The Auburn Tigers won their first-ever NIT Championship, defeating the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in overtime in Indianapolis. Senior guard Kevin Overton hit several key shots down the stretch to lift Auburn to the victory.

Why it matters

This marks Auburn's first-ever NIT title, a significant accomplishment for the program as they look to build momentum heading into the offseason. The win also provides a boost for the Tigers' recruiting efforts and overall profile within college basketball.

The details

In a back-and-forth game, Auburn and Tulsa were tied at the end of regulation, forcing overtime. That's when Overton took over, hitting several clutch shots to give the Tigers the edge they needed to secure the championship. Auburn's defense also stepped up in the extra period to hold off Tulsa's late push.

  • The game was played on April 5, 2026 in Indianapolis.
  • Auburn and Tulsa were tied at the end of regulation, forcing overtime.

The players

Kevin Overton

A senior guard for the Auburn Tigers who hit several key shots in overtime to lead his team to the NIT Championship.

Auburn Tigers

The men's basketball team from Auburn University that won its first-ever NIT title.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane

The men's basketball team from the University of Tulsa that fell to Auburn in overtime in the NIT Championship game.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge win for our program and something we've been working towards all season. I'm so proud of the way our guys battled and made the plays we needed to come out on top.”

— Bruce Pearl, Head Coach, Auburn Tigers

What’s next

Auburn will look to build on this NIT Championship as they prepare for the 2026-27 season, where they hope to make a run at an NCAA Tournament bid.

The takeaway

Auburn's NIT Championship victory showcases the continued growth and development of the program under head coach Bruce Pearl. The Tigers' ability to win a close, hard-fought game in overtime demonstrates their resilience and ability to make winning plays when it matters most.