INDIANAPOLIS – One of six men’s basketball teams still competing, Auburn used the sting of a Selection Sunday snub to propel the Tigers to the brink of an NIT championship.
“To their credit, these young men have taken full advantage of that opportunity,” Auburn coach Steven Pearl said. “I’m proud of them, I know their families are proud of them, I think their university is really proud of them as well. Incredibly proud of them and everything they’ve gone through this year.”
Auburn’s first-year head coach believes the Tigers can serve as an example to similarly situated teams in future tournaments.
“Auburn did it the right way,” Pearl said. “They didn’t quit. They kept fighting, they kept playing and they ended their season on a high note. We’re going to look to try to continue that momentum against a really good Tulsa team that presents a lot of challenges. We’re obviously excited about the opportunity.”
Standing in Auburn’s way of an NIT championship, Tulsa is one of 11 teams in the country with at least 30 wins.
“This will probably be the best offensive team we’ve played in the tournament,” Pearl said. “Our guys have got to be in a stance for 40 minutes in this one.”
Tulsa shattered its program record by making 393 3-pointers this season, 105 more than the Golden Hurricane’s 2000-01NIT championship team.
“They’re going to present their challenges,” Pearl said. “Our guys have to continue to stay locked into what we’re doing and stay connected. If we do that, our chances of winning will go up.”
For Tahaad Pettiford, who relishes playing at NBA venues, Sunday’s showdown presents another such opportunity. Gainbridge Fieldhouse is home to the Indiana Pacers.
“Try to be one of the few teams that ends the season with a win,” Pettiford said. “It doesn’t matter if we’re the playing NIT or March Madness, we’re here to win it all so that’s the goal.”
The NIT’s top seed, Auburn defeated Illinois State Thursday in the semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse after besting South Alabama, Seattle U and Nevada at Neville Arena, giving senior Keyshawn Hall one more chance to showcase his skills to a national audience.
“I enjoy playing with these guys, with this program,” said Hall, who led Auburn with 24 points in Thursday’s semifinal. “I’ve been having fun. It would be great to win one more game and a championship.”
Kevin Overton looks to remain red hot after going 5-for-5 from 3-point range against Illinois State to propel the Tigers to the title game.
“Right now is a time where you have to play your best and approach the game the right way,” Overton said. “That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Auburn (21-16) takes on Tulsa (30-7) Sunday at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN2 and the Auburn Sports Network, where Andy Burcham and Randall Dickey will call the action for listeners.
“This is a great opportunity to really change the narrative of your season,” Pearl said. “I’m incredibly proud of those guys. Happy to still be playing basketball. Happy to still be a part of the NIT, an opportunity to play for a championship.”
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer