CHAMPS: Auburn Basketball TAKES DOWN Tulsa, WINS NIT Championship

The Locked On Auburn podcast celebrates the Auburn Tigers' dramatic 92-86 overtime victory over Tulsa to claim the NIT Championship, marking a triumphant end to a season that saw the team blow a 21-point lead before rallying to win. Hosts Zach Blackerby and Daryl Daprich reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of the game, emphasizing the team's resilience, mental toughness, and unwavering effort despite a disastrous second half. They highlight Kevin Overton’s iconic game-tying three-pointer from the logo as the defining moment, praising his leadership and clutch performance. The hosts also commend the team’s depth, especially playing without key players Keyshawn Hall and Filip Jovich, and celebrate the fact that Auburn ended the season on a win—rare and meaningful for a program that often finishes on losses. Beyond the win, they discuss the broader implications: the NIT title strengthens Auburn’s case for being overlooked in the NCAA tournament selection, validates their season’s effort, and boosts recruiting and retention momentum. The episode concludes with a forward-looking analysis of the portal, prioritizing returnees like Overton and Jovic, and outlining a strategic roster plan for the upcoming season.