Top Seeds Dominate: New Mexico and Tulsa Punch Tickets to 2026 NIT Semifinals
INDIANAPOLIS — The road to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship is narrowing, and the heavyweights are making their presence felt. On a high-stakes Tuesday night of quarterfinal action, No. 1 seeds New Mexico and Tulsa both secured hard-fought victories, officially punching their tickets to the semifinals and keeping their dreams of a postseason title alive.
Lobos Howl Past St. Joseph’s
In a matchup that featured contrasting styles of play, the New Mexico Lobos proved exactly why they earned a top seed in this year’s tournament. Facing a resilient St. Joseph’s squad, the Lobos utilized their superior depth and transition scoring to pull away in the second half.
New Mexico’s backcourt dictated the tempo from the opening tip, stifling the Hawks’ perimeter shooters and turning defensive rebounds into quick points. While St. Joseph’s managed to keep the game within reach during a gritty first half, the Lobos’ athleticism eventually overwhelmed the Atlantic 10 challengers. With this victory, New Mexico heads to the semifinals with significant momentum, looking to add a prestigious NIT trophy to their program’s mantle.
Tulsa Outlasts Wichita State in Rivalry Battle
On the other side of the bracket, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane faced a familiar foe in the Wichita State Shockers. In what felt like a classic conference rivalry game, Tulsa leaned on its veteran leadership to survive a physical, defensive slugfest.
The Shockers brought their trademark “Play Angry” intensity, leading to several lead changes in the final minutes. However, Tulsa’s execution in the clutch proved to be the difference-maker. Key free throws and a crucial late-game stop allowed the Golden Hurricane to escape with the win, much to the delight of the Tulsa faithful. The victory marks a significant milestone for the program, which has shown remarkable consistency throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
The Road to the Title
With Tuesday’s results in the books, the bracket is now set for a blockbuster semifinal round. As No. 1 seeds, both New Mexico and Tulsa have successfully defended their home-court advantages throughout the early rounds, but the scenery is about to change as the tournament shifts to its final neutral-site destination.
College basketball fans can expect a high-octane atmosphere as these two powerhouses join the remaining field to compete for a spot in the championship game. The semifinals represent more than just a consolation prize; for programs like New Mexico and Tulsa, it is an opportunity to finish the season on a high note and build a winning culture heading into the next year.
Looking Ahead
The NIT semifinals are scheduled to take place later this week, with television coverage providing a national stage for these storied programs. As the bracket thins out, all eyes will be on whether the remaining top seeds can hold off the underdog challengers looming on the other side of the bracket.
Stay tuned for continued coverage, full box scores, and updated schedules as the 2026 NIT reaches its thrilling conclusion.