Auburn will host Nevada in the National Invitation Tournament quarterfinals on March 26, with both teams aiming for a spot in the semifinals for the first time. The game is set to tip off at Neville Arena at 8 p.m. Central Time and marks Auburn’s final home contest of the season.
The matchup carries significance as Auburn looks to advance further than ever before in the NIT, while also securing its fifth consecutive 20-win season. Kevin Overton, who has scored over 20 points in five games this March and is averaging 22 points per game during the tournament, leads Auburn’s efforts. “Just trying to win games,” said Overton, who has been shooting 50 percent from three-point range in NIT play.
Motivated by missing out on an NCAA Tournament bid, Overton said he hopes to channel that frustration into success against Nevada. “Playing with that killer instinct,” he said. “This is the result of hard work. Our ability to stay together has been the story of the year. Knowing you only have a few more games left, you leave everything you can out there.” An Auburn victory would not only extend their postseason run but also mark another milestone for the program.
Head coach Steven Pearl encouraged fans to attend what will be Auburn’s last home game this season: “I want to encourage fans to continue to support this group,” Pearl said. “One more opportunity to play at home in front of our fans that have been so great to us. We would love to have you in the building.” He noted that Nevada presents a challenge with nine key contributors and strong energy late into their own campaign.
Nevada enters with a record of 24-12 under coach Steve Alford and features standout guard Corey Camper Jr., who averages nearly 17 points per game and was named First Team All-Mountain West Conference. The winner will advance to next week’s semifinals in Indianapolis.
Looking ahead, Pearl said his team plans no major changes: “At this point, we’re not going to change anything,” he said. Both teams are expected to bring high intensity as they compete for a chance at postseason history.
