The Auburn Tigers entered the SEC Tournament ranked as the No. 1 seed and one of the best teams in the Conference after going 27-5 in the regular season. Led by talented forward Jabari Smith, the Tigers were considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, the team was quickly kicked out of the SEC tournament by Texas A&M, who shockingly built a huge lead before the Tigers made it interesting. However, it was too little too late by Bruce Pearl’s team. Pearl spoke to reporters following the upset loss, making a shocking admission following the quick exit from the SEC tournament, as reported by beat writer Tom Green.
Bruce Pearl: “We’re not much better than 8-seeded Texas A&M. We’re better; we are.”
He clarifies that Texas A&M outperformed Auburn today, but also expresses how deep the SEC is
— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) March 11, 2022
It’s quite shocking for Bruce Pearl, especially right after Auburn was beaten by Texas A&M. The Tigers, who have had as many as two players, including top prospect Jabari Smith, caught in the NBA’s top 20 fake drafts, are definitely the most talented team.
However, insisting that Auburn is “better” than the Aggies, who just knocked them out of the SEC tournament, isn’t the smartest thing to say. Pearl made sure to praise Texas A&M, noting that the Aggies truly deserved a spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
As for Auburn’s NCAA Tournament prospects? Their loss to the Aggies may have just cost them a seed.
