19 days ago, the Plains were filled with pure disappointment as Auburn missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.
Three weeks later in Indianapolis, the vibe has completely shifted. Steven Pearl’s group has made the most of its opportunity in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and sits one win away from capturing the Tigers’ first NIT title.
Many programs around the country have shied away from competing in the NIT, but Auburn is proving that accepting a bid to the oldest major postseason college basketball tournament can help change the narrative of a season.
Although five straight wins against mid-major opponents won’t erase missing March Madness, they can help boost morale within the program and give Pearl and his staff more time with their roster.
"To be put in a position where we had to play in the NIT, and to their credit, these young men have taken full advantage of that opportunity,” Pearl said. “I’m proud of them. I know their families are proud of them, but I think their university is really proud of them as well.”
Walking around downtown this weekend, you can feel the buzz in the air, and although they aren’t in the NCAA Tournament, players like Keyshawn Hall, Elyjah Freeman, and others, who have never been around a basketball atmosphere like this, are soaking it all in.
Keyshawn Hall (7) dribbles the ball down the court against Illinois State in Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. on April 2, 2026.
“It's going to be a lot of fun, a lot of people down here enjoying time, you know what I'm saying … we just have to stay locked in and try to finish it off,” Hall said. “Like coach SP said, this is a basketball state, so a lot of people come out and show love regardless. We've got to just really accept it and just have fun.”
Hall, at his fourth school in four years, will suit up for the final time in his collegiate career Sunday night. The UCF transfer will look to leave his mark at Auburn and bring some hardware back down South.
“I've been having fun and just enjoying it,” Hall said. “I haven't even thought about how it's going to be my last game … it would be great to win one more game and win a championship.”
Tulsa, led by Eric Konkol, made quite the turnaround this year, finishing second in the American Athletic Conference and winning their 30th game of the season against New Mexico on Thursday night. This comes just one year removed from posting a 13-20 record.
The Golden Hurricane ranked No. 52 in the NET, just in front of Seton Hall and trailing UCF, which made the NCAA Tournament.
Konkol’s squad loves to shoot from downtown, averaging 10.7 made 3-pointers per game, which ranks 10th in the nation.
“Our guys have done a really good job of respecting our opponents up to this point, and it's shown the last couple games. And Tulsa is going to be no different,” Pearl said. “As a team, they shoot close to 40% from three, and that's something that's been a struggle of ours and something we're going to have to look into.”
“They are one of like 11 teams with 30 wins this year and that's significant. They have done an unbelievable job, Coach Konkol has done an unbelievable job getting that thing turned around in his fourth season. [I’m] impressed with what they have done, and it's going to be a great matchup.”
It will be a busy Sunday in the capital of the Hoosier State, as the Division II and III national championships take place alongside the NIT championship. Auburn and Tulsa will headline the day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT.
“Doesn't matter if we are playing in the NIT championship or March Madness. We are here to win it all, so that's the goal,” Tahaad Pettiford said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Rory is a sophomore majoring in journalism sports production. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @RorymGarvin
