Auburn advances to NIT semifinals after win over Nevada

(Auburn Basketball/X)

The Auburn Tigers are once again playing in a Final Four of sorts.

After defeating the Nevada Wolfpack 75-69 Wednesday at Neville Arena, the Tigers have reached the NIT semifinals in Indianapolis, a win which also gives Auburn its fifth consecutive 20-win season.

“A lot of contributions,” Tigers head coach Steven Pearl said on his team’s performance in the victory. “It’s not the tournament we want to be playing but our guys have done a great job of using this platform and this opportunity to go out there and hoop. I’m really proud of them for that and it’s something we can build on.”

It was Filip Jovic leading the way for Auburn on offense, scoring 18 points with nine rebounds while Tahaad Pettiford put up 16 points of his own.

Four different Tigers found their way in double figures with Keyshawn Hall and Elyjah Freeman having nice nights offensively as well.

With the victory, Auburn advances to play Illinois State next week on Thursday, April 2 from Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana at 8:30 p.m. CST.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.