As of April 12, 2026, the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) has wrapped up with a thrilling conclusion that showcased some intense college basketball action. This year’s tournament featured a range of nail-biting games, culminating in an overtime championship that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s take a closer look at how the tournament unfolded.
The first round kicked off on March 17, with teams from across the country battling it out. Notable results included Auburn defeating South Alabama 78-67 at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, and Tulsa edging Stephen F. Austin 89-84 in an overtime thriller at the Donald W. Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Other first-round highlights saw Seattle triumph over St. Thomas Tommies 67-52 and UNLV narrowly escaping UC Irvine with a 75-72 victory.
Second Round Showdowns
March 18 brought more excitement as the second round rolled in. Wake Forest secured an 82-72 win against Navy, while New Mexico showcased their dominance with a staggering 107-83 victory over Sam Houston State. Illinois State also made headlines with a solid 79-58 win against Kent State, and George Washington clinched a nail-biter against Utah Valley State, 79-78.
The games continued on March 21-22, where Nevada triumphed over Liberty 73-63 and Dayton defeated UNC-Wilmington 80-61. Auburn kept their winning streak alive with a close 91-85 victory against Seattle, while Tulsa continued to impress with a 77-66 win over UNLV. March 22 saw an intense showdown between New Mexico and George Washington, with New Mexico walking away with an 86-61 victory.
Quarterfinals and Beyond
The quarterfinals, held on March 24-25, were equally gripping. Tulsa pulled off a narrow 83-79 victory against Wichita State, while New Mexico continued their strong performance, defeating Saint Joseph’s 84-69. Illinois State edged out Dayton in a tightly contested game, winning 61-55, and Auburn concluded the quarterfinals with a 75-69 victory over Nevada.
The semifinals on April 2 brought forth a clash of the titans. Auburn dominated Illinois State 88-66 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, while Tulsa secured their spot in the finals with a 74-69 win over New Mexico.
The Championship Face-Off
The championship game on April 5 was nothing short of spectacular. Auburn faced Tulsa in a matchup that had fans buzzing. After a fierce battle that went into overtime, Auburn emerged victorious with a final score of 92-86, claiming the championship title at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
This year’s NIT not only delivered thrilling basketball but also showcased the spirit and talent of college athletes across the nation. For a comprehensive recap of the tournament, you can check out the full details at wtop.com.
As we reflect on this year’s tournament, it’s clear that the NIT continues to be a platform for showcasing rising stars in college basketball. The excitement and unpredictability of the games remind us why we love this sport. Here’s to another thrilling season ahead!
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As we look forward, the NIT remains a testament to the talent and hard work of student-athletes, providing them with a stage to shine. Stay tuned for more updates and developments in the world of college basketball!
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