Tulsa Advances to 2026 NIT Championship Game

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane are headed to the championship round of the 2026 National Invitational Tournament (NIT). Following a hard-fought victory in the semifinals, the team is now set to compete for the tournament title this Sunday.

Tournament Path to the Finals

Tulsa (30-7) secured its spot in the championship game after a successful run through the tournament bracket. The Golden Hurricane earned their place by defeating the New Mexico Lobos in the semifinal round held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This win marks a significant milestone for the program, which is currently pursuing its second NIT championship title.

The semifinal matchup against New Mexico followed a competitive quarterfinal performance where Tulsa edged out Wichita State with an 83-79 victory. New Mexico, which entered the contest with a 26-10 record, had previously demonstrated strong form in the tournament, winning its earlier games by double-digit margins before falling to Tulsa.

Upcoming Championship Matchup

Looking ahead, Tulsa is scheduled to face Auburn in the NIT Championship game. The title match is set to take place on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Key Takeaways

• Tournament Success: Tulsa has reached the 30-win mark for the season, a rare achievement in the program’s history.
• Semifinal Results: Tulsa defeated New Mexico to advance, while Auburn secured the other spot in the final by defeating Illinois State.
• Championship Schedule: The final game is slated for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Looking Forward

As the Golden Hurricane prepare for their final test against Auburn, the team carries the momentum of a successful postseason campaign. The matchup represents the culmination of the 2026 NIT, with both teams vying for the tournament crown in what promises to be a highly anticipated conclusion to the college basketball season.