SPORTS

Auburn wins first NIT title in overtime thriller

PUBLISHED Apr 4, 2026, 5:32 AM ET

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Indianapolis. Auburn defeated Tulsa 92-86 in overtime on Sunday to capture the program’s first National Invitation Tournament championship, with Kevin Overton scoring 26 points and Tahaad Pettiford adding 24 and a late inbounding violation by Tulsa forcing overtime. The game was tied after regulation following Overton's baseline 3-pointer with eight seconds remaining. Auburn's victory on Sunday boosts the Tigers' postseason pedigree and provides momentum for offseason recruiting and program visibility; Tulsa's runners-up finish highlighted Ade Popoola's scoring and the team's late-game execution issues, prompting likely review ahead of conference play next season in April.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Regular season established Auburn and Tulsa records and statistical trends.
Media previews published team statistics and top performers ahead of the NIT matchup.
Regulation ended tied after Overton’s baseline 3-pointer with eight seconds remaining.
Tulsa committed a five-second inbound violation late in regulation, forcing overtime.
Auburn outscored Tulsa in overtime and won 92-86, securing its first NIT championship.

News Intelligence

Auburn's first NIT championship is a landmark in college basketball. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team. If you're an Auburn fan, this is a moment to celebrate. If you're a basketball enthusiast, it's a reminder of the thrill and unpredictability of the game.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Auburn University’s basketball program benefited the most, securing its first NIT title, elevating player profiles, boosting recruiting momentum, and increasing alumni and donor engagement.

Who Impacted

Tulsa’s program suffered a narrow championship loss that ends its NIT run, likely affecting short-term morale and prompting review of late-game execution.