Only 3 other teams in the field were even from Power 5 conferences, and none of those were in consideration for an at large bid.
I don't think anyone argued that Auburn was less deserving than (and this was their actual NIT title path), South Alabama, Seattle, Nevada, Illinois State, and Tulsa.
But congrats on them needing OT to beat the 3rd best team from the AAC in the title game. That sure showed the committee.