Auburn Tigers Set for NIT Semifinals Clash Against Illinois State INDIANAPOLIS – Auburn’s basketball team will face Illinois State in the NIT semifinals on Thursday at Hinkle Fieldhouse, marking the first time in program history the Tigers have reached the tournament’s second round. The matchup, set for 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN and the Auburn Sports Network, pits Auburn against the Redbirds, a team that has advanced to the semifinals by defeating Kent State, Wake Forest, and Dayton. The game will test Auburn’s starting five, all of whom average double figures in the NIT, against Illinois State’s No. 37-ranked defense, which limits opponents to 67.9 points per game. Auburn’s journey to the semifinals included three consecutive wins, starting with a victory over South Alabama, followed by road wins against Seattle U and Nevada—all at Neville Arena. The Tigers’ success has been bolstered by a consistent starting lineup of Kevin Overton, Keyshawn Hall, Elyjah Freeman, Tahaad Pettiford, and Filip Jovic, who have combined for 66.9 points per game in the tournament. Coach Steven Pearl praised the team’s resilience, noting the eight-day layoff between the quarterfinals and semifinals allowed players to recover physically and mentally. “It’s been really beneficial for our guys to have a little time off to get recharged for this last push,” Pearl said. Illinois State’s path to the semifinals was equally impressive. The Redbirds defeated Kent State by 21 points in the opening round before securing back-to-back Quad 1 road wins at Wake Forest and Dayton. Their defensive prowess, which has held 19 opponents under 70 points this season, will be a key factor in the matchup. Coach Pearl acknowledged the challenge posed by Illinois State’s physicality and defensive intensity. “They’re really good defensively.#hinkle_fieldhouse #illinois_state #auburn_tigers #kevin_overton #keyshawn_hall
