NIT Tournament 2026 Bracket, Schedule and Men's Semifinals Predictions

While the NCAA Basketball Tournament headlines March Madness, it isn't the only men's basketball tournament bringing quality action to the court. The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is also unfolding, and after an exciting quarterfinal round, we're down to four teams.

On Thursday, April 2, New Mexico will face Tulsa, while Auburn will face Illinois State—the only non-No. 1 seed left standing.

Of the four remaining teams, Tulsa is the only former champion, having won in 2001 and 1981. New Mexico, a regular participant in the tournament, last reached the final in 1964. Illinois State and Auburn are both in the semis for the first time in tournament history.

Here, you'll find previews and predictions for Thursday's semifinal games.

New Mexico vs. Tulsa

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New Mexico F Tomislav Buljan

When: Thursday, April 2

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV and Live Stream: ESPN and ESPN app

New Mexico and Tulsa have reached the semifinals as No. 1 seeds and figure to have one of the more interesting battles of the tournament thus far.

The Lobos are fresh off a convincing 84-69 victory over St. Joseph's, thanks to a 27-point outing from Tomislav Bulijan. Tulsa, meanwhile, eked out an 83-79 win over Wichita State. The Golden Hurricanes were led by Tylen Riley, who finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

New Mexico has looked like the most dangerous team in the tournament, winning by an average of 21.3 points. However, scheduling has been a boon for the Lobos, who have played all three games at home, as has Tulsa.

The Golden Hurricanes haven't won quite as convincingly in all of their games, but they should match up well with New Mexico at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tulsa has averaged more points (85.4 vs. 81.5) and a higher field goal percentage (47 vs. 46 percent).

New Mexico also has a slightly higher defensive efficiency rating, according to KenPom.

Fans should expect a fairly offensively focused matchup between these two, with Riley and David Green giving New Mexico an edge.

Prediction: New Mexico over Tulsa

Illinois State vs. Auburn

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Auburn G Kevin Overton

When: Thursday, April 2

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET

TV and Live Stream: ESPN and ESPN app

Illinois State has reached the semifinals as a No. 4 seed, thanks to a surprising 61-55 win over No. 2 Dayton at UD Arena and a 78-75 win over No. 1 Wake Forest at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The Redbirds have the potential to keep the upsets coming.

Of course, Auburn will present a tough test for the Redbirds. One of only four power conference programs to enter this year's NIT—along with Wake Forest, Cal, and Oklahoma State—the Tigers will be eager to reach their first NIT final.

Auburn narrowly missed the NCAA tournament, despite finishing over .500 and defeating defending national champion Florida 76-67 in January. Led by Keyshawn Hall and Tahaad Pettiford, the Tigers have featured a strong offense and an impressive 40th overall KenPom ranking.

For Auburn to win, however, it will have to avoid mistakes. Illinois State typically plays at a slower pace and with a defensive focus, meaning every possession and every miscue will be magnified.

The prediction here is that the Redbirds slow down the game and get enough from Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger to keep things tight in the second half. However, Auburn will get enough late scoring to set up a final showdown with New Mexico.

Prediction: Auburn over Illinois State