SPORTS

Auburn Hosts South Alabama; UNCW Travels to Yale Tuesday

PUBLISHED Mar 15, 2026, 11:18 PM ET

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Sources: 8

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Sources: 8

Auburn, Alabama, USA — Auburn and other college teams will begin National Invitation Tournament play this week after missing or accepting postseason bids. The Tigers, second team out of the NCAA field, accepted a No. 1 seed and will host South Alabama Tuesday at Neville Arena. UNCW will travel to Yale Tuesday to open NIT play in the Winston-Salem region; the Seahawks last appeared in the NIT in 2001. The NIT first rounds are hosted by higher seeds, with quarterfinals, semifinals and the championship slated for Indianapolis in late March and early April. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2001: UNCW last appeared in the NIT (historical reference).
2020-21: Auburn served a self-imposed postseason ban (historical reference).
March 15, 2026: Selection Sunday; Auburn left out of NCAA Tournament and accepted NIT bid.
Mid-March 2026: NIT bracket released; Auburn named No. 1 seed, UNCW drawn to play at Yale.
Late March–April 8, 2026: Early rounds hosted by higher seeds; NIT semifinals and championship scheduled in Indianapolis.

News Intelligence

The NIT tournament is a chance for college teams like Auburn and UNCW to shine after missing the NCAA field. For fans, it's more basketball to enjoy and a chance to support your team. Check the NIT schedule and tune in to cheer them on.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

Higher-seeded programs, host venues and Indianapolis event organizers benefited through home-court advantage, ticket revenue opportunities and centralized scheduling for quarterfinals, semifinals and the NIT championship.

Who Impacted

Teams excluded from the NCAA Tournament, including Auburn, and their players, coaches and fans faced the consequence of missing March Madness and settling for NIT participation.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Teams excluded from the NCAA Tournament, including Auburn, and their players, coaches and fans faced the consequence of missing March Madness and settling for NIT participation.