PREVIEW: Auburn Takes on Tulsa in NIT Championship Game

This episode of Locked On Auburn previews the NIT Championship game between the Auburn Tigers and Tulsa, reflecting on a rollercoaster season that began with high expectations after a Final Four run but took a dramatic turn when Bruce Pearl retired mid-season, leaving his son Steven Pearl to take over as head coach. Despite early struggles with effort, roster questions, and defensive lapses—particularly in three-point defense—the Tigers have rallied in the NIT, showcasing a high-powered, three-point-heavy offense led by key players like Keyshawn Hall, Kevin Overton, and Miles Barnstable. The conversation with Ryan Token from The Golden Hurricast explores Auburn’s identity as a team built to outscore opponents rather than stop them, with a deep bench of shooters and a volatile offensive rhythm. Tulsa, meanwhile, is seen as a team capable of matching Auburn’s firepower if they can hit their three-pointers at a high clip, though Auburn’s physicality and rebounding prowess present a challenge. The episode captures the emotional weight of the game for both fanbases, with Auburn fans hoping to salvage a season defined by inconsistency and Tulsa fans believing they have a real shot at an upset.