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Auburn

Hugh Freeze, Auburn football send message to Bruce Pearl ahead of Elite Eight

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•03/29/25•

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Hugh
Auburn Athletics

Hugh Freeze and Auburn football are aware of Bruce Pearl and the basketball team getting it done on the court. The Tigers take on Michigan State Sunday in the Elite Eight with a chance to go to the Final Four.

Following a win over Michigan, Freeze said his routine was altered. He usually is early to bed and early to rise.

But when Pearl’s Auburn squad is playing, it’s tough to sleep. So, Freeze sent a message to the basketball team while meeting with his players during spring practice.

“Y’all know my routine,” Freeze said. “I go to bed at 8:30 and I get up at about 4:30, 5:00. Coach Bruce Pearl kind of kept me up late last night. Had to go over and watch Auburn do their thing. Got back about one thirty. Congratulations to our basketball team, playing to go to the Final Four tomorrow. Great. Congratulations to them. Coach Pearl, congratulations to you guys, man. War Eagle baby, you’re representing us well, and then hey, but you know what? I got up and got my workout in this morning.”

Auburn defeated Michigan 78-65 in the Sweet 16 to advance. After holding just a one-point lead at halftime, the Tigers took control.

“They were playing really well coming into this tournament, having won the Big Ten tournament,” Pearl sadi after beating Michigan. “Obviously we went on a 34-8 run in the second half, and it’s just the kids’ will to win. They just locked down defensively. I thought Dylan Cardwell did an incredible job on Goldin. I thought Johni, Dylan, Chaney were physical with those guys and didn’t let them dominate the game with their size, which they do against most opponents.

“Then a couple of guards got really hot. They got really heated up. Denver got heated up. Tahaad got heated up. We went to them, and they delivered. Great win for Auburn. Four teams from the SEC in the Elite 8. That’s pretty good.”

It wasn’t perfect, but Auburn got it done. Pearl’s team no doubt showed a lot of energy.

“The deal was we turned the ball over a little bit,” Pearl said. “We made some mistakes, and I let them kind of jaw at each other a little bit and then go, hey, man, we’re good. We’re in a great spot. You guys are just pushing each other.

“I love the energy. I love the pace. Just slow down a little bit with the ball. We’re just rushing.”