NIT 2026 Semifinals Scores, Updated Bracket and Men's Championship Schedule

Tulsa and Auburn advanced to the NIT title game after winning their respective semifinal matchup son Thursday.

The Golden Hurricane beat New Mexico to punch their ticket to the championship game, while the Tigers downed Illinois State to advance.

The championship game will be played on Sunday night.

Tulsa 74, New Mexico 69

The Golden Hurricane and Lobos battled for most of the night and were tied heading into the final five minutes, but Tulsa used a quick run to make it an eight-point game heading into the final two minutes.

New Mexico wasn't completely out of it, though, fighting back to within three points at the one-minute mark. The Golden Hurricane managed to ice the game at the line to hang on for the win.

Tulsa spread the love on offense, as five different players were in double figures. David Green led the way with 13 points, most of which came from the free-throw line.

New Mexico freshman Jake Hall had a commendable outing with 20 points, but it wasn't enough to keep his team's season alive.

If Tulsa can take home a win on Sunday, it will mark its third NIT championship in program history and first since Buzz Peterson led the Golden Hurricane to the title in 2001.

Auburn 88, Illinois State 68

Those within and around Auburn's program argued that the Tigers should've earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, and they certainly looked like a tournament team with an emphatic win over the Redbirds.

Auburn took a double-digit lead halfway through the first half and never looked back, coasting through the second period en route to the win.

Star senior Keyshawn Hall led the way for the Tigers with 24 points, and Kevin Overton added 16.

The first year of the Steven Pearl era in Auburn didn't go the way the program had hoped, but the Tigers now have the chance to end their season with a win.