Bruce Pearl comments on Auburn's thrilling victory over Georgia

It was arguably the biggest scare No. 1 Auburn had all season. But the Tigers came through when it mattered, defeating last-place Georgia 74-72 at Stegeman Coliseum on Saturday.

The Bulldogs had a lead with 56 seconds left thanks to an Aaron Cook layup. But the Tigers stormed back and made big plays to pull off the victory — their 19th straight.

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl spoke with SEC Network after the game to share his thoughts. After analyst Patric Young said he thought Georgia should’ve won the game, Pearl shared his opinion.

“I believe that Auburn should’ve won that game,” Pearl said. “We came into a hostile environment, they shoot 20-something free throws in the first half. I give Georgia unbelievable credit. Unbelievable credit. I mean, if they’re good enough to beat us and they … beat Alabama, they’re good enough to beat anybody, right? Anybody. I disagree. I think we deserved to win the game. We made plays at the end.”

Pearl also addressed his team’s defensive effort. Auburn held Georgia to 39.7% shooting, including 23.1% shooting from three-point territory. He said that was big, especially considering the Tigers were without one important piece on defense due to a non-COVID-related illness.

“I thought without Zep Jasper today, without our starting point guard, without our quarterback, without our best perimeter defender, this basketball team [went] on the road and [found] a way to win,” Pearl said.

Bruce Pearl: ‘I think we’re a little fatigued’

It’s been a grueling stretch for Auburn. The Tigers played Oklahoma at Auburn Arena last Saturday before traveling to Coleman Coliseum to take on Alabama. Then, they went to Athens on Saturday. Factor in some key injuries, including Jasper and Lior Berman, and Pearl said everything might be catching up to his team.

“We’ve got weaknesses like everybody else,” Pearl said. “We were down 10 at Ole Miss, we were down 10 at Missouri. Obviously, this game was up for grabs at the end. It’s a grind, and I’ll tell you, our kids are a little tired. When you’re playing like we played last week, goodness gracious. Having Oklahoma on Saturday, Alabama on Tuesday. I think we’re a little fatigued.

“Again, especially being [down] Lior Berman and Zep Jasper. I learned they got character and I learned they got some toughness, and we get out of here against a big rival [and] a team that could’ve obviously upset us, but didn’t.”

With eight games left on the schedule, Auburn is in great position for a good seed in the NCAA Tournament. But Pearl said the Tigers have one big need.

“We’ve got to get Zep back,” Pearl said. “That just goes to show you how important our depth is.”