Auburn wins first NIT title in overtime

Auburn defeated Tulsa 92-86 in overtime to win the NIT Championship, the program's first NIT title.

Auburn defeated Tulsa 92-86 in overtime to claim the NIT Championship in Indianapolis. It is the first NIT title in Auburn program history. Auburn built a large first-half lead before Tulsa rallied to take the lead in the second half. The game was sent to overtime when Kevin Overton hit a three-pointer with seven seconds remaining. Game details: - Final score: Auburn 92, Tulsa 86 (overtime). - This is Auburn's first NIT championship in program history. - Kevin Overton scored 26 points and hit the tying three with seven seconds left to force overtime. - Tahaad Pettiford scored 24 points; Pettiford and Overton combined for 50 points. - Auburn led by as much as 21 in the first half; Tulsa responded with an 18-2 run in the second half and took the lead with about 10:26 remaining. - Coach Steven Pearl praised the team's resilience and said the win provides positive momentum heading into the offseason. Summary: The victory ends Auburn's 2025-26 season with a program-first NIT title and underscores the team's ability to rally under pressure. Coach Steven Pearl described the result as a reward for the players' consistency and toughness. The season is complete for the Tigers and for Pearl's first year as head coach, and the program is reported to be focused on retaining players and adding new ones as it prepares for next season.