Charles Barkley in attendance for Auburn vs. Alabama
Wednesday’s college basketball slate is headlined by the SEC battle between No. 12 Auburn defending home court against No. 16 Alabama.
The matchup is sure to have some big-time names keeping tabs on it, but Auburn Tigers legend Charles Barkley made sure to take a break from his schedule to be in attendance for the in-state rivalry game on Wednesday.
He was shown on the jumbotron and received a healthy welcome from those inside Neville Arena.
With Barkley in attendance, his Tigers led by as many as 14 points within the first 12 minutes of the first half. Auburn eventually led at halftime 55-41, and the roof inside Neville Arena might as well have blown off on their way.
Barkley had to experience the atmosphere himself — an experience that he has advocated all college basketball fans go through for years.
“You just have to come to Auburn,” Barkley said in 2023, via Justin Hokanson. “Everybody likes their college, but Auburn is a very special place. I was with Takeo Spikes and Frank Thomas, every time we come back down here it’s like coming to a family reunion. Auburn is such an awesome, special place. There are a lot of good schools, but Auburn is a special place. I got here in 1981 which was 100 years ago, and every time I come down here it’s always special.”
Catch the exciting end of the first half live on ESPN2.
Bruce Pearl values contributions from multiple players
As the season continues, proven depth can make all the difference for any team that has it at their disposal. Auburn is one of those contenders that’s showing they do and, as such, Bruce Pearl thinks his team is progressing at the right time.
Pearl spoke about the lineup for the Tigers and the success throughout it in their game this weekend following the 91-77 victory at Ole Miss. He was glad to see them play well from top to bottom because, come the postseason, it could separate them apart from anyone, if not everyone, else.
“I think it’s the key to our season,” said Pearl.
Having seven players averaging seven or more points and an eighth averaging five or more is a luxury for the Tigers with several guys who can get it done on any night. It also generates faith as each of them knows that they can rely on the one beside them.
“I think, as much as anything, is they begin to have confidence in each other now,” said Pearl.