Golden Hurricanes/Tigers Meet in Men’s NIT Final

On a Thursday night in Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, the Men’s NIT took place for yet another year.

For teams not in the local market, the crowd was solid as over 4,400 tickets were sold before the event took place.

In Game One, a tense battle took place as Tulsa pulled away from New Mexico late to capture a 74 to 69 victory and moves on to the Men’s NIT Final to take place Sunday night in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Leading the way for Tulsa was a balanced team effort with David Green 13 points, Ade Popola 12, Miles Barnstable 11 and Tyler Riley and Jaylen Laval’s ten apiece.

Tulsa shot 42% per cent from the field, 38% percent from behind the arc, 78% free throws and 39 rebounds. The Golden Hurricanes totaled 17 assists.

The Lobos of New Mexico were led by Jake Hall’s 20 and J T Rock’s 14.

In Game Two, Auburn rolled past Illinois State 88 to 66 behind Keyshawn Hall’s 24, Kevin Overton’s 16, Filip Jovic’s 13 and Tahaad Pettiford’s 12.

Auburn shot 60% percent from the floor (34 of 56), 12 of 21 three pointers and 20 assists on those 34 made buckets.

Illinois State was led by Ty’Reek Coleman’s 17, Chase Walker’s 13 and Ty Pence’s 13.