Auburn’s Intense Schedule Primes Team for NIT Semifinals Triumph
Auburn beat Illinois State 88-66 in the NIT semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on April 2, 2026. The historic arena was filled with loud Redbirds fans.
Coach Steven Pearl called the chance to play at Hinkle special. He said the crowd provided extra energy and praised Tahaad Pettiford and Keyshawn Hall for stepping up in the big moment.
Teammate Blake Muschalek helped Tahaad Pettiford to his feet after a play during the semifinal. The Tigers used that momentum to pull away late.
Road-tested by a tough schedule
Auburn played nine neutral-site games this season. The team also faced true road tests at Arizona, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama.
The Tigers finished 4-5 at neutral locations, a mark that includes SEC tournament and NIT contests. Guard Kevin Overton said the team treated the semifinal like an away game and relied on season-long preparation to handle the noise.
Statistical edge
Auburn held clear advantages across several metrics. Those numbers helped secure the win.
- Points off turnovers: Auburn 26, Illinois State 9.
- Points in the paint: Auburn 38, Illinois State 24.
- Fast break points: Auburn 22, Illinois State 2.
- Total steals: Auburn 13.
Title game set
The Tigers will face Tulsa for the NIT crown. The final is scheduled inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers, and will air on ESPN2.
Auburn’s intense schedule helped prime the team for the semifinal triumph in the NIT. Filmogaz.com will provide full coverage and a title game preview.
