Former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl made an enemy of everyone in Oxford, Ohio at the end of February when he suggested Miami (OH) would have to win the MAC Tournament in order to make the NCAA Tournament. His comments, when contextualized by his recent tenure with — and his son’s position at — Auburn, agitated folks across college basketball’s landscape.
The Redhawks were 29-0 when Pearl spoke on their NCAA Tournament viability. Roughly one week later, they’re 31-0 following a thrilling 110-108 win over the Ohio Bobcats in the “Battle of the Bricks.” Following the win — which secured an unbeaten regular season — Pearl congratulated Miami on its accomplishment.
Naturally, fans had a field day in his comment section.
On Saturday morning, Pearl and the TNT studio crew had Redhawks head coach Travis Steele join them ahead of Saturday’s slate. There, Pearl told Steele he feels like “the ugly stepmother” to Miami’s “Cinderella.” He also stated that Miami has “won their way in” to the bracket.
Late Friday night, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi stated the Redhawks will be “no worse than a [No.] 10 [seed]” in the NCAA Tournament. He added that Miami could be an 8 or 9 seed “if they run the table.”
The Redhawks’ first game of the MAC Tournament comes on Thursday versus UMASS. Tip is set for 11:00 a.m. E.T. (ESPN+).
