Bruce Pearl sends message to Auburn fans following loss vs. Texas A&M

Auburn came into the SEC Tournament as the top-seeded team and earned a double-bye to the quarterfinals for their regular season effort. However, in their first postseason matchup, the Tigers suffered an upset loss against Texas A&M.

During his postgame press conference, head coach Bruce Pearl sent a heartwarming message to the fans who left disappointed after travelling to Tampa this week for the SEC Tournament.

“Thank you,” Pearl said to fans. “Thank you for the opportunity. You’ve asked two great questions. I talked to the players about that too. Did they represent their families? Did they represent their university? Did they represent the name on the back of their jersey?

“In this one, how many cousins and brothers and friends traveled? Many of my players’ families, that’s a bite out of their budget to come to Tampa and spend two, three nights in a hotel. We feel badly. We feel badly for our fans that came out in great numbers.”

Bruce Pearl’s team will have another chance to deliver for their travelling fans as Auburn plays in the NCAA Tournament next week. However, the Tigers feel like they let down the fans.

“I think it does make a strong statement about this conference when a basketball program like Auburn’s can travel like we are traveling,” said Pearl. “They love this team. Our fans love this team.

“This team has given them a lot to love and a lot to support, so I know they’re disappointed. But we feel a responsibility. We do feel like we let them down. Absolutely.”

Bruce Pearl on Texas A&M

Texas A&M pulled off a massive upset on Friday in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, defeating the top seeded Auburn Tigers. The Aggies now advance to Saturday’s semifinals and face off against Arkansas.

Following the game, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl told reporters that he hopes that Texas A&M’s win was enough to get them into the NCAA Tournament. Pearl certainly believes that the Aggies belong in the field.

“Congratulations to Texas A&M,” Pearl said. “I hope for Texas A&M and for our conference that that’s enough to get them in the tournament. They just beat one of the best teams in the country and beat us from start to finish, and should not leave any doubt as to whether or not they belong.”

Texas A&M defeated Auburn 67-62. Friday was not the first matchup between the two teams, as the Tigers came out with a victory on Feb. 12 over the Aggies.