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 tough semifinal win over New Mexico. 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 Tylen Riley, who leads with 14.8 points and 4.4 assists. David Green adds scoring and size, while Miles Barnstable and Ade Popoola 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 dominating Illinois State 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 Keyshawn Hall, who leads with 19.5 points and 6.9 rebounds. Tahaad Pettiford adds scoring and pace, while Kevin Overton and Elyjah Freeman 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 deliberate possessions. With Auburn trending upward and playing with confidence, Auburn -5.5 aligns with the expected flow of this matchup.
The total leans lower because both teams have shown stretches of controlled tempo in the postseason. Auburn’s physicality naturally limits transition scoring, while Tulsa’s offense becomes more methodical against stronger defenses. That combination points toward a game with fewer quick bursts and more half‑court possessions. Expect long stretches where both sides work deeper into the shot clock, reducing the number of high‑value scoring opportunities. Tulsa can shoot, but Auburn’s length should challenge clean looks and force tougher attempts. With both teams capable of slowing the other’s strengths, Under 160.5 fits the projected pace.
This matchup should feature competitive stretches, but the overall rhythm favors a more controlled game rather than a shootout. Auburn’s ability to dictate physicality will influence the tempo, while Tulsa’s reliance on perimeter rhythm may be tested. Those factors naturally compress scoring and create a more defensive‑leaning environment. Expect a game where execution matters more than speed, and where second‑chance points become critical. Auburn’s recent form gives them a slight but meaningful edge, while the overall pace supports a lower total. Together, Auburn -5.5 and Under 160.5 match the most likely shape of this NIT Championship showdown.
Final Predictions: Auburn -5.5 & Under 160.5
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