Pearl: Auburn Deserves Tournament Spot Over Miami Ohio

0:00On March 4, Bruce Pearl, the Auburn Tigers coach, says his team deserves an NCAA tournament spot more than undefeated Miami Ohio. The Red Hawks sit at 30 wins and zero losses, but their easy schedule has experts questioning if they belong without a conference title. Auburn, at 16 wins and 14 losses, just beat LSU and fights for an at-large bid. Pearl doubled down on his view during a recent TV spot. He called Miami Ohio deserving in some ways, but not among the top 37 teams overall. He also owned up to favoring Auburn, where his son works on staff after he helped land the job. Miami Ohio's athletic director fired back hard on social media. David Sailor accused Pearl of nepotism and said he's embarrassing himself on TV. Sailor pushes team's perfect record while slamming Pearl's Auburn connections. Auburn remains on the bubble, listed as first four out by some bracket experts, and last four in by others. They missed the key win at Ole Miss, but bounce back Tuesday.

1:01Pearl thinks one more victory seals it. The Tigers wrapped the regular season Saturday, at number 16 Alabama, then head to the SEC tournament. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. Their next games could punch their ticket or end the run. their next games could punch their ticket or end the run.