INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Tulsa Golden Hurricane rallied from a 21-point first-half deficit to force overtime before losing to Auburn 92-86 in the National Invitation Tournament Championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.  

 

Tulsa’s 30-win season is the second highest in program history as the Golden Hurricane came up just short in their bid for their third NIT title (1981, 2001).  

 

Trailing 34-13 with under eight minutes to play in the first half and down 55-35 with 17:34 remaining in regulation, Tulsa showed its American grit, scoring 29 of the game’s next 35 points.  

 

David Green made a pair of free throws to tie the game at 59-all with 10:43 remaining.  Tulsa took its first lead of the game at 61-59 with 10:26 remaining on two free throws by Tylen Riley. The Golden Hurricane led by as many as five points at 76-71 with just over one minute to play before Auburn rallied to force overtime. 

 

Green scored 25 points, 15 of them in overtime, to lead Tulsa. Riley scored 20 points, and Ade Popoola scored 13.