Auburn basketball has been on the losing end of foul trouble several times this season, and head coach Bruce Pearl has had enough.
Following Wednesday’s 90-85 overtime loss to No. 2 Alabama, Pearl exhibited his frustrations with officiating in his postgame interview with Andy Burcham of the Auburn Sports Network.
“Very, very disappointing. You know, obviously, (Alabama) made some plays,” Pearl said Wednesday. “We had a hard time staying in front of them, at the end of the day. I’m just sick and tired of our guys getting smashed down there! Smashed!”
The Tigers were called for a season-high 29 fouls on Wednesday with Allen Flanigan, Jaylin Williams, and Johni Broome all fouling out. Alabama went to the free-throw line 31 times, where they connected on 24 of those, as opposed to Auburn, who was fouled just 20 times and had 24 chances at the free-throw stripe.
Auburn’s foul discrepancy is nothing new. The Tigers have committed 20 or more fouls in 12 games this season, and have sent their opposition to the free-throw line to take 20 or more free throws 15 times, while five opponents have been sent to the line 30 or more times in five games.
The Tigers have one more SEC game to play before tournament time in hopes to improve their NCAA Tournament stock. Auburn plays No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. CT.
The two videos below are going to be making the rounds for years to come and show Auburn fans just how passionate Pearl is.
