Auburn one win away from first ever NIT championship

There’s no doubt there was some disappointment surrounding the Auburn men’s basketball program after the Tigers were left out of the NCAA Tournament this year.

But in the three weeks since Selection Sunday, Auburn has turned that disappointment into excitement.

Thursday night, the Tigers made their first ever appearance in the NIT semifinals and they dominated Illinois State to earn a spot in the championship game.

“I’m proud of my guys. We took a really difficult situation, not getting in on Selection Sunday, and I think we’ve turned it into a positive. They’re playing with a level of joy that is really good for me as a coach to see. Good performance by our guys. Really cool to have the opportunity to play in Hinkle.”

Steven Pearl, Auburn coach

NIT Championship Game

The Tigers will take on Tulsa, who improved to 30-7 this season with a win over New Mexico in the semifinals. Tulsa is looking for its third NIT title in program history, its last coming in 2001 when they beat Alabama in the title game.

Auburn will stay in Indianapolis through Easter weekend as both finalists will get two days off before returning to the court Sunday night.

Here’s what you need to know before tipoff:

• Who: Auburn Tigers vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricanes
• When: 7PM | Sunday, April 5
• Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse | Indianapolis, IN
• Watch: ESPN
• Tickets

The NIT Championship will be part of a full day of basketball in Indianapolis which will include the Division II and Division III championship games.

The women’s NCAA Tournament will also conclude Sunday evening while the men’s tournament wraps up Monday, April 6.

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