“Trusting my work. My teammates trust me to make shots. I try to do what I can for these guys,” said Kevin Overton after leading the Auburn Tigers to a historic victory. Overton’s performance was pivotal as Auburn clinched its first-ever NIT championship by defeating the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 92-86 in a gripping overtime match at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Auburn, under the guidance of head coach Steven Pearl, who took over from his father Bruce Pearl after the 2024-25 season, showcased resilience throughout the tournament. The Tigers built a commanding 48-31 lead at halftime and at one point led by as many as 21 points in the first half. However, the game took a dramatic turn as Tulsa fought back, forcing the contest into overtime.
Overton, who scored 26 points and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the National Invitation Tournament, hit a crucial game-tying 3-pointer with just eight seconds left in regulation. His late-game heroics were complemented by Tahaad Pettiford, who contributed significantly with 24 points and eight assists. “We stayed together. We needed stops, we had to break them down and that’s what we did in overtime,” Pettiford reflected on the team’s performance.
Despite being without two key players during the overtime period, Auburn managed to maintain composure and secure the championship. The Tigers’ NIT run included victories over South Alabama, Seattle, Nevada, Illinois State, and finally Tulsa, culminating in a season record of 22-16.
Coach Steven Pearl expressed pride in his team’s journey, stating, “I’m really proud of these kids. They found a way to stay together and beat five pretty good teams.” This victory not only marks a significant achievement for the program but also sets a positive tone for the upcoming offseason. “It’s an opportunity to gain some positive momentum going into an important offseason,” Pearl added.
The triumph at the NIT championship is a testament to the hard work and determination of the Auburn basketball team, reflecting their growth under new leadership. As they celebrate this historic win, the focus will now shift to building on this success and preparing for the challenges ahead.
