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
Men's Basketball Welcomes Illinois State For NIT Quarterfinal The University of Dayton Flyers will host Illinois State in the NIT quarterfinals at UD Arena on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET. The matchup pits Dayton (25-11, 12-6 A-10) against Illinois State (22-12, 12-8 MVC), with the game airing on ESPN2. The Flyers will look to continue their strong performance in the tournament after securing a decisive victory over the UNCW Seahawks in their previous round. Dayton erased a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat UNCW 80-61 in a sold-out Trask Coliseum on Saturday. The Flyers’ second-half surge was highlighted by the standout play of junior guard De'Shayne Montgomery, who became the fourth Dayton player to reach 1,000 career points this season. Montgomery contributed 20 points, along with three steals, two assists, and two rebounds, leading the team to their second road win in the NIT. Dayton’s defense also held UNCW to just 3-of-21 shooting from beyond the three-point line, limiting the Seahawks’ offensive efficiency. Illinois State, meanwhile, advanced to the quarterfinals after a dramatic road win over No. 1 seed Wake Forest. The Redbirds hit a game-winning three-pointer with 2 seconds remaining to secure the victory. This win added to Illinois State’s strong season, which includes a 12-8 record in the MVC. The matchup against Dayton will test both teams’ ability to maintain momentum in a high-stakes tournament setting. Montgomery’s milestone achievement underscores his growing impact on the Flyers’ success. His 8-of-13 shooting performance against UNCW demonstrated his ability to carry the team in critical moments. With Dayton’s balanced attack and defensive focus, the Flyers aim to build on their recent success as they face Illinois State in the next round of the NIT.#ud_arena #university_of_dayton #illinois_state #nit_quarterfinals #trask_coliseum
Dayton Flyers Set for NIT Quarterfinals Against Illinois State The University of Dayton Flyers will host Illinois State in the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) at UD Arena, marking their first NIT home game since 2010. The Flyers advanced to this round by defeating Bradley and North Carolina Wilmington by a combined score of 33 points. Illinois State secured its spot with a 78-75 victory over No. 1 seed Wake Forest in the previous round. For fans planning to attend the game, key details include the start time of 7:00 p.m. and the location at UD Arena, 1801 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton, OH, 45417. Season-ticket holders had until Monday at 11:59 p.m. to claim their assigned seats, after which all unclaimed tickets became available for purchase by the general public. The event is open to all, with lower-arena tickets priced at $36.50 and upper-arena tickets at $18.50. Attendees are encouraged to add digital tickets to their mobile wallets to avoid delays at entry, as internet connectivity may be slow during high-traffic periods. The ticket office can be reached at 937-229-4433 for inquiries, with normal hours from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking options include reserved lots A and C, available for $12.50 online, and arena lot parking for $5 per vehicle for non-season ticket holders. Parking in the Carillon neighborhood or at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel is prohibited. Traffic is expected to be heavy on I-75 and local roads near Edwin C. Moses Blvd., so fans are advised to plan for delays. The game will enforce strict rules on prohibited items, including firearms, weapons, food and drinks, strollers, signs larger than 8.#ud_arena #university_of_dayton #dayton_flyers #illinois_state #national_invitation_tournament
