Exciting Showdowns Ahead in the 2026 NIT Semifinals

The basketball landscape is ablaze with excitement as we gear up for the semifinals of the 2026 NIT. After a thrilling set of quarterfinal games, both Auburn and Illinois State have secured their spots, ready to face off on April 2 at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Alongside them, the formidable Tulsa and New Mexico have also cemented their places in the final four.

Quarterfinal Highlights

Let’s delve into the standout performances that led to these teams’ advancement:

• Illinois State: The No. 4 seed achieved a hard-fought 61-55 victory over Dayton, powered by Johnny Kinziger’s impressive 16 points. This victory came on the heels of previous wins against Kent State and Wake Forest.
• Auburn: As the sole high-major team remaining, they showcased their prowess with a 75-69 win over Nevada. Their performance highlights the depth and talent still present in major conferences.
• Tulsa: The No. 1 seed advanced with an 83-79 victory against Wichita State, thanks to Tylen Riley’s remarkable stats: 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.
• New Mexico: Also a No. 1 seed, they triumphed over Saint Joseph’s with a decisive 84-69 win, led by Tomislav Bulijan’s stellar 27-point performance.

The NIT Landscape

This year’s NIT has seen only four power conference teams in action: Auburn, Cal, Wake Forest, and Oklahoma State. Notably, several programs, including Seton Hall and Virginia Tech, opted out of the NIT after not making the NCAA Tournament. This trend raises questions about the value placed on postseason tournaments and the implications for team morale and recruitment.

Upcoming Semifinal Matchups

Mark your calendars for April 2, as we can expect some intense matchups:

• Tulsa vs. New Mexico: TBD | Broadcast on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free)
• Auburn vs. Illinois State: TBD | Broadcast on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free)

Looking Ahead to the Championship

The championship game is scheduled for April 5 at Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the winners from the semifinals will battle it out for the title. This year’s NIT has proven to be an unpredictable and thrilling tournament, and the final stretch promises to deliver more excitement.

For those who wish to see the full bracket and scores of the NIT, I encourage you to read the original news source.