Everyone talks about March Madness, it’s known as the big dance and some even say it is one of the most exciting tournaments in all of sports. There is one question some basketball enthusiasts have, what about the NIT tournament?

The NIT tournament is basically the little brother of March Madness with a couple of different rules. Only 32 teams are selected for the tournament and the bracket releases right after Selection Sunday for March Madness. For teams like Auburn and Dayton, this is a perfect opportunity for them to grab a trophy. For other schools like Belmont and Virginia Tech, it is seen as a pointless tournament and end up snubbing their offer to play.

Auburn was crowned the winners of the 2026 NIT Tournament and they pretty much dominated through their bracket, ultimately proving a point from the snub they got from the March Madness bracket. The Tigers defeated Tulsa 92-86 in a OT thriller. Overton and Pettiford combined for 50 points leading the charge for Auburn. The Tiger guard duo really put Auburn’s explosive offense on notice and it makes you wonder how well they would do in The Big Dance.

“I think Auburn could’ve made it to the Sweet 16 in March Madness,” states Charles Tabor (11).

“I think Auburn could’ve had a very good run in March Madness but I’m glad they won NIT,” remarks Omega Princely (10).

NIT is a very fun tournament to watch and I think it should be on your radar for the 2026-27 season. It was a very interesting watch and was definitely some extra fun basketball to watch when March Madness isn’t on!