Tulsa Golden Hurricane and Auburn Tigers meet on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in the championship game of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The matchup will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where both teams will attempt to finish the season with a trophy.
Auburn enters the title game with strong momentum after winning four straight games in the NIT. Tulsa, meanwhile, arrives after a close semifinal victory over New Mexico and brings one of the best records among teams in the tournament.
The championship game is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Match Information
| Match | Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Auburn Tigers |
|---|---|
| Tournament | NIT Championship |
| Date | April 5, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Hinkle Fieldhouse |
| Location | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Broadcast | ESPN2 |
Betting Odds and Lines
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Favorite | Auburn (-5.5) |
| Underdog | Tulsa (+5.5) |
| Moneyline | Auburn -220 |
| Moneyline | Tulsa +185 |
| Over/Under | 160 – 160.5 Points |
The betting market lists Auburn as the favorite by more than five points. The projected total also suggests that a high-scoring game could unfold between these two teams.
Auburn Tigers Season Overview
Auburn enters the championship with a 21–16 record and strong recent momentum. After missing out on the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers have used the NIT as an opportunity to finish the season positively.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 21–16 |
| Average Points Scored | 82.76 |
| Average Points Allowed | 78.57 |
| Average Total Points in Games | 161.32 |
Auburn has scored more than 75 points in all four of its NIT victories. In the semifinal round, the Tigers dominated Illinois State with an 88–66 win.
The team has also been productive on the offensive glass, frequently creating second-chance scoring opportunities. Auburn’s offensive efficiency has been a key factor in its run to the final.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane Season Overview
Tulsa arrives in Indianapolis with one of the best records in the tournament. The Golden Hurricane have enjoyed a standout season under head coach Eric Konkol.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 30–7 |
| Average Points Scored | 85.05 |
| Average Points Allowed | 73.16 |
| Average Total Points in Games | 158.22 |
Tulsa defeated New Mexico 74–69 in the semifinal round to reach the title game. The team has been particularly effective offensively, averaging more than 85 points per game this season.
The Golden Hurricane also rely heavily on three-point shooting. Their 38.9% shooting from beyond the arc ranks among the top marks in college basketball.
Also see: Kayleigh Heckel Wins NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award, Becomes Second UConn Player After Maya Moore
Recent Form
Both teams arrive at the championship game playing strong basketball.
| Team | Recent Form |
|---|---|
| Auburn | Won last 4 games |
| Tulsa | Won 8 of last 9 games |
Tulsa has been especially effective defensively during its recent run, limiting opponents to under 32% shooting from three-point range in several recent victories.
Auburn, meanwhile, has improved its offense during the NIT, scoring efficiently and shooting well from the field.
Key Players to Watch
Several players from both teams will likely have a major impact on the championship game.
| Auburn Tigers | Role |
|---|---|
| Keyshawn Hall | Leading scorer averaging 19.5 points per game |
| Tahaad Pettiford | Dynamic guard averaging 15.2 points per game |
| Filip Jovic | Efficient interior scorer during the NIT run |
| Tulsa Golden Hurricane | Role |
|---|---|
| David Green | Forward averaging 15.7 points per game |
| Miles Barnstable | Three-point shooter and perimeter scoring threat |
| Tylen Riley | Guard who drives the offense and creates scoring chances |
Hall has been Auburn’s most consistent scoring option, while Pettiford has shown the ability to produce big performances when needed.
Tulsa’s offense relies heavily on perimeter shooting, particularly from players like Barnstable who attempt a high volume of three-point shots.
Team Comparison
| Team | Record | Points Scored | Points Allowed | Playing Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 21–16 | 82.76 | 78.57 | Physical offense, strong rebounding |
| Tulsa | 30–7 | 85.05 | 73.16 | Fast offense, strong three-point shooting |
Tulsa enters the game with the better overall record, but Auburn’s physical play and rebounding ability could create advantages in the paint.
Tulsa vs Auburn Prediction
The NIT championship matchup features two teams with different strengths. Tulsa thrives on perimeter shooting and fast offense, while Auburn relies on physical play and offensive rebounding.
If Auburn can control the boards and limit Tulsa’s three-point opportunities, the Tigers could take control of the game. However, if Tulsa finds success from beyond the arc, the Golden Hurricane could keep the score close throughout the contest.
Both teams have produced high-scoring games recently, which suggests the championship game could feature plenty of offense.
| Market | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Spread | Auburn -5.5 |
| Total Points | Over 160.5 |
| Match Result | Auburn Win |
Projected Score:
Auburn 84 – Tulsa 80
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