en-us SportSpyder - The Latest Tulsa Golden Hurricane Basketball News https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/news Auburn wins its first NIT title and West Virginia captures the Crown as both programs close the season with momentum-building championship runs. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:23:40 GMT Rodney Knuppel https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56157970 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56157970 false false The 2026 season did not go the way the Auburn Tigers had hoped in Steven Pearl's first season as head coach. Sunday's 92-86 overtime win over Tulsa in the NIT championship game ended it on a high note. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 03:57:44 GMT Colby Colwell, Yardbarker https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56154143 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56154143 false false The Auburn Tigers and Tulsa Golden Hurricane meet in the NIT Championship, with both programs aiming to close out their postseason run with a title. MORE: Top 10 best men’s college basketball teams in NCAA tournament history Mar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) reacts after a made three point basketagainst... Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:19:43 GMT Ben Verbrugge https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56174202 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56174202 false false INDIANAPOLIS — Trailing by as many as 21 in the opening half, Tulsa staged an epic comeback in the second half to force overtime but ultimately fell in the N... Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:36:11 GMT https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56154282 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56154282 false false Auburn and Tulsa meet up in the NIT championship game on Sunday night in Indianapolis. Follow for live updates. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 23:14:32 GMT John Leuzzi https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56152281 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56152281 false false The latest score and highlights from the NIT championship. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 22:48:00 GMT Sam Profeta https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56152068 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56152068 false false The AAC meets the SEC in the NIT finals as the Tulsa Golden Hurricane face the Auburn Tigers at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tulsa enters this contest off a hard-fought 74-69 win over New Mexico. They are now at 30-7 on the year and have won 10 of their last 11. Auburn had a much easier time in the semifinals as they crushed Illinois State, 88-66. The Tigers were just 2-8 down the stretch of the regular season, but they have now won five of their last six in the postseason, moving to 21-16 on the year. Which team will walk away with the NIT title? Continue reading to see my Tulsa vs Auburn prediction. Tulsa vs Auburn NIT Finals Prediction, Preview, Odds Odds: Auburn -5.5; Over/Under 160.5 Tulsa Golden Hurricane Tulsa enters the NIT Championship at 30-7 after a . The Golden Hurricane have been on a roll as of late, playing some of their most balanced basketball of the season. Tulsa averages 85.1 points, shoots 46.8%, and leans on , who leads with 14.8 points and 4.4 assists. adds scoring and size, while and provide perimeter balance and shooting. Tulsa shoots 38.3% from three, one of the best marks in the NIT field. The Golden Hurricane’s ability to stretch defenses and attack in transition has fueled their postseason run. Tulsa must maintain their pace and spacing to challenge Auburn’s improving defense. Riley gives Tulsa a steady creator who can control the tempo. Green provides versatility and shot‑making, while Barnstable adds perimeter scoring. Popoola contributes as a strong two‑way guard who rebounds well for his position. Tulsa pulls down 38.7 boards per game and keeps turnovers manageable at 10.7 per game. Their challenge will be to handle Auburn’s length and prevent the Tigers from dominating the paint. Tulsa’s offense thrives when the team moves the ball and avoids isolation-heavy possessions. If they maintain rhythm and hit perimeter shots, they can dictate stretches of this matchup. For Tulsa to win the title, they must control the tempo and avoid getting stuck in half‑court battles. Auburn prefers physical play, so Tulsa must push the pace when opportunities appear. The Golden Hurricane also need to win the perimeter matchup, as Auburn defends the arc inconsistently. Riley and Green must guide the pace, while Barnstable and Popoola must help secure rebounds to prevent second‑chance points. Tulsa should also attack early in possessions, as Auburn’s defense strengthens as the shot clock winds down. If Tulsa maintains offensive efficiency and avoids defensive lapses, they have a strong chance to claim the championship. Auburn Tigers Auburn enters the NIT Championship at 21-16 after in the semifinals. The Tigers struggled late in the regular season, but they have surged in the postseason. Auburn averages 82.8 points, shoots 46.1%, and relies on , who leads with 19.5 points and 6.9 rebounds. adds scoring and pace, while and provide athleticism and perimeter balance. Auburn rebounds well at 36.3 boards per game and gets to the line frequently, averaging 19.3 made free throws. Their ability to attack the paint and generate physical mismatches has fueled their postseason turnaround. Auburn must maintain that aggression against a Tulsa team that thrives on spacing. Hall gives Auburn a powerful scoring presence who can create mismatches. Pettiford provides speed and shot‑making, while Overton adds perimeter scoring. Freeman contributes as a versatile wing who rebounds well and defends multiple positions. Auburn shoots 34.2% from three, but its identity is built on interior scoring and free‑throw creation. Turnovers remain manageable at 10.1 per game, and their defensive pressure has improved during the tournament. Their challenge will be to contain Tulsa’s perimeter shooting and prevent early‑clock threes. If Auburn maintains defensive structure, they can control the tempo. For Auburn to win the title, they must dominate the paint and limit Tulsa’s rhythm from deep. Tulsa shoots extremely well from three, so Auburn must close out aggressively and avoid giving up clean looks. The Tigers also need to control the glass, as Tulsa rebounds well and pushes the pace off misses. Hall and Pettiford must guide the tempo, while Overton and Freeman must help secure rebounds. Auburn should also attack the rim, as Tulsa can struggle with physical frontcourts. If the Tigers maintain their defensive intensity and execute late, they have a strong path to the championship. Predictions Auburn enters this championship with momentum they have steadily built throughout the tournament. Their physical style and ability to create separation in key stretches give them an edge in a matchup where toughness matters. Tulsa has been impressive, but Auburn’s recent surge suggests a team peaking at the right time. Expect the Tigers to lean on their overall pace control and defensive presence to shape the early rhythm. Tulsa thrives when games open up, but Auburn has shown they can slow opponents and force more delibera... Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:20:40 GMT David Hess https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56147568 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56147568 false false Auburn and Tulsa meet in Indianapolis with the NIT title on the line. Here's how to watch the championship game. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:31:45 GMT Takashi Williams https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56147339 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56147339 true false Here's what you need to know about the 2026 NIT championship game, including time, date and more for the game between Auburn and Tulsa: Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:20:19 GMT Ehsan Kassim https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56147014 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56147014 false false The Sporting News has everything you need to know for the NIT championship game, from start time to streaming options. Sun, 05 Apr 2026 07:39:48 GMT Jake Mozarsky https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56146558 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56146558 false false INDIANAPOLIS — One game remains between Tulsa and a chance at cutting down the nets as the team takes on Auburn on Sunday in the NIT Championship Game. The G... Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:12:28 GMT https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56138355 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56138355 false false Watch every 2026 NCAA men's and women's basketball tournament press conference live from the media room, before and after each game, including the First Four... Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:15:41 GMT March Madness https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56130822 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56130822 false false The NIT championship game matchup is starting to take shape. See who has advanced to Sunday's title game in Indianapolis and more. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 01:44:10 GMT John Leuzzi https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56122301 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56122301 false false INDIANAPOLIS — Tulsa's historic season will go the distance after the team advanced to the NIT Championship with a 74-69 win over New Mexico in the semifinal... Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:41:25 GMT https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56123169 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/tulsa-golden-hurricane-basketball/articles/56123169 false false