(BCSNN) — Auburn needed a lifeline. Kevin Overton delivered two. The freshman guard hit a game‑tying corner three with eight seconds left in regulation, then buried a 40‑footer in overtime to propel Auburn to a 92–86 victory over Tulsa in the NIT championship game Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse — securing the program’s first postseason tournament title.

Overton finished with 26 points on 5‑for‑8 shooting from deep and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

“Trusting my work,” Overton said. “My teammates trust me to make shots. I try to do what I can for these guys. We stayed composed and focused.”

Auburn (22–16), playing in the NIT final for the first time, built a 17‑point halftime lead before Tulsa stormed back with a 22–2 second‑half run to take control. The Golden Hurricane led 78–74 with 18 seconds left after Filip Jovic fouled out and Tulsa converted two free throws.

Auburn’s response was immediate. Elyjah Freeman grabbed an offensive rebound and split two free throws to cut the deficit to three. The Tigers then forced a five‑second violation, and Tahaad Pettiford found Overton in the corner for the game‑tying shot that sent the contest to overtime.

Tulsa (30–8) scored the first six points of the extra period, but Auburn — undersized after Keyshawn Hall and Jovic fouled out — held the Golden Hurricane scoreless for the final 3:19.

Sebastian Williams‑Adams put Auburn ahead with two free throws, and after a defensive stop, Overton launched from well beyond NBA range to give the Tigers an 89–84 lead with 2:06 remaining.

“Heat check,” Overton said. “I felt like that was a normal shot for me all year.”

Freeman and Overton combined for three free throws in the final 40 seconds to seal the win.

Balanced Effort Behind Overton

Pettiford scored 24 points and dished out eight assists, setting the tone early with three first‑half threes. Hall posted an 11‑point, 12‑rebound double‑double, Williams‑Adams added 13 points, and Jovic scored 12 while contributing four first‑half assists.

Freeman finished with 14 rebounds, including several critical late‑game boards.

Auburn Controls Early, Survives Late Surge

Auburn dominated the first half, holding Tulsa to 1‑for‑10 from three and building a 48–31 lead. Pettiford and Williams‑Adams hit early threes, and Hall nearly outrebounded Tulsa by himself before halftime.

Tulsa responded with a furious second‑half push, hitting back‑to‑back threes and eventually taking a four‑point lead with just over a minute remaining. David Green led the Golden Hurricane with 25 points.

But Auburn’s poise in the final seconds — and Overton’s shot‑making — proved decisive.

Pearl’s First Season Ends With a Trophy

Auburn concludes Steven Pearl’s first season at 22–16, winning five straight games to claim the NIT title.

“I’m incredibly proud of these kids,” Pearl said. “They could’ve packed it up and they didn’t. They showed resilience, toughness and what it means to play for Auburn.”