Updated April 5, 2026
The NIT Championship brings together two very different teams as Tulsa faces Auburn on Sunday night. Tulsa enters with one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball and a 30-7 record, while Auburn has battled through an uneven season but found form at the right time during this tournament run. With a neutral court setting and a title on the line, this Tulsa vs Auburn matchup should be a good one from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Tulsa arrives in the title game enjoying a strong stretch, winning four of its last five games, including a 74-69 victory over New Mexico in the semifinal. The Golden Hurricane has leaned on efficient scoring and balanced production, averaging over 85 points per game this season. Their ability to control tempo and execute in half-court sets has made them one of the more reliable offensive teams in this tournament.
Auburn, on the other hand, has taken a different route. Despite a 21-16 overall record, the Tigers have surged in the NIT with four straight wins, including a dominant 88-66 performance against Illinois State. Auburn’s athleticism and defensive playmaking have been key, particularly their ability to generate steals and protect the rim. However, their inconsistency throughout the season remains a concern, especially against disciplined offensive teams like Tulsa.
Auburn Tigers
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Stat | Tulsa | Auburn |
|---|---|---|
Points per game | 85.1 | 82.8 |
Points allowed per game | 73.2 | 78.6 |
Team Field Goal % | 47% | 46% |
Rebounds Per Game | 38.7 | 36.3 |
Assists Per Game | 15.5 | 13.0 |
This matchup comes down to efficiency versus volatility. Tulsa has been the more consistent team all season, with a clear edge in scoring efficiency, ball movement, and defensive discipline. Their ability to generate quality shots and limit mistakes gives them a strong foundation in a championship setting.
Auburn’s athleticism and defensive upside cannot be ignored, and their recent tournament form shows they are capable of dominating stretches of play. Still, their season-long inconsistency and reliance on individual scoring create risk against a well-structured Tulsa team. I'll take the points with the Golden Hurricane here with the NIT title on the line.
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