Illinois State vs Auburn NCAAB Pick: Tigers Proving Doubters Wrong in NIT (Apr 2)

Published Apr 1, 5:59pm ET by

Keith McCarthy - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Apr 1, 5:59pm ET

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  • Illinois State took down Dayton in the NIT quarterfinals, defeating them 61-55.
  • Auburn continued to roll, beating Nevada 75-69 to advance to the NIT semifinals.
  • This will be the very first matchup between these two programs in school history.

Illinois State and Auburn face off in the NIT Semifinals with a trip to the Finals on the line. The Tigers are proving their doubters wrong after barely missing the tourney. The Redbirds are seeking an upset.

Auburn Tigers vs. Illinois State Redbirds Overview Watch On: ESPN

DATE & TIME

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 @ 9:30 PM ET
Auburn Tigers
HINKLE FIELDHOUSE
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Illinois State Redbirds
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Auburn Tigers -300
Illinois State Redbirds +240

Illinois State Seeking Another Upset

Illinois State is the biggest surprise in the NIT Semifinals, upsetting Dayton in their most recent game. They had the last week to prepare for this clash against Auburn. The Redbirds rank 94th in KenPom, facing an uphill battle against the 40th-ranked Tigers. They'll lean on a capable defense to make up for an offense that can be inconsistent. Leading-scorer Chase Walker will need to be at his best for Illinois State to have a shot.

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Auburn Proving Doubters Wrong

Auburn missed the NCAA tournament after losing 16 games against one of the nation's top schedules. Their was an argument for them to make it based on the metrics, but their 17-16 record just wasn't enough. Now 20-16 in the NIT Semifinals, the Tigers are proving to doubters that they may have had what it takes to have been an tourney team. Instead, they'll set their eyes on winning the NIT with a trip to the Finals on the line.

Illinois State vs Auburn NCAAB Pick

The Redbirds and Tigers meet in what should be an intriguing NIT semifinal game. Illinois State and their stringent defense cannot be overlooked, but they face an uphill battle against Auburn in this game. Expect a low-scoring, physical matchup, with the Tigers eventually pulling away offensively to win and make the finals.

Pick
Auburn Tigers (-300)
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