How did Auburn win NIT title vs Tulsa?

Auburn completes turnaround with NIT championship win

Auburn captured the NIT championship with a 92–86 overtime win over Tulsa, finishing the season-ending run with a statement victory in the title game at Indianapolis. After a season that didn’t go as hoped for the Tigers, the win matters because it gave Auburn a tangible postseason payoff and crowned a late resurgence.

The game itself was defined by momentum swings. Auburn had to fight through regulation and then execute in overtime. Kevin Overton led the offensive charge with 26 points, including key contributions late—his scoring stretch helped swing the game when the outcome could have slipped either direction.

The margin in overtime came after a late sequence in regulation that set up a decisive overtime opportunity, and in the extra period, Auburn kept control long enough to finish the night. Tahaad Pettiford added 24 points, and the Tigers also benefited from late-game pressure that extended the contest.

What Auburn did in overtime

• Maintained offensive production after a long, high-leverage regulation.
• Converted crucial late possessions to prevent Tulsa from taking the lead for good.
• Used disciplined execution to close out the title, rather than trading baskets endlessly.

Why it matters

Auburn’s first NIT championship is also a closing chapter for the Steve Pearl era’s early days as head coach. Instead of leaving the season as a disappointment, the Tigers ended with a trophy and a clear postseason identity—staying together through adversity, then finding enough offense when the clock ran out.