NASHVILLE — After Auburn’s 72-62 loss to Tennessee in the SEC Tournament, coach Steven Pearl shared his thoughts.
STEVEN PEARL: It was a game of two halves. Our defense was strong in the first half. We played hard and executed well. We limited their free throws and offensive rebounds, which was a win for us.
But in the second half, everything changed. They shot 27 free throws, showing how effectively they attacked the rim. I need to review the film to understand our defensive lapses that led to that.
Despite out-rebounding them by one, their physical play disrupted our offense. We didn’t handle it well. We had 12 turnovers, which turned into easy points for them. That hurt us.
I’m proud of the team’s effort overall. They fought hard all season, but we failed to execute in crucial moments. Tennessee deserves credit for their game plan.
THE MODERATOR: Questions for the players.
Q. Tahaad, what went wrong on offense during that stretch?
TAHAAD PETTIFORD: Our defense affected our offense. When we couldn’t get stops, it hurt us. Careless turnovers and missed shots really impacted our flow.
THE MODERATOR: What changed defensively in the second half?
SEBASTIAN WILLIAMS-ADAMS: We became disconnected. In the first half, we covered for each other. In the second half, it seemed like we started to play more individually.
Q. Tahaad, why does this team deserve a spot in the NCAA tournament?
TAHAAD PETTIFORD: We’ve worked hard every day. The record might not reflect it, but if we get the chance, we’re ready to show what we can do.
Q. How do you plan to spend the next 72 hours before the selection?
TAHAAD PETTIFORD: I’ll take time to relax, rest, and regroup with the team. If our name comes up, we’ll be prepared.
THE MODERATOR: Next, questions for Coach Pearl.
Q. What caused the offensive struggles during their 20-0 run?
STEVEN PEARL: Their physicality got to us. We couldn’t finish around the rim and went a long stretch without drawing fouls, which we needed to break their momentum. Too many turnovers led to easy points for them.
We didn’t handle their defensive pressure well and let that affect our next plays.
Q. How did you see Tennessee adjust in the second half?
STEVEN PEARL: They stopped using ball screens and instead played more isolation. That shift helped them draw fouls. Coach Barnes made smart adjustments that caught us off guard.
Q. Long 72 hours until Selection Sunday. What’s next?
STEVEN PEARL: I’ll review this game and prepare for the next one. We’ve faced many challenges this year. Our performance means we deserve consideration for the tournament.
Q. What did Coach Barnes say about Auburn?
STEVEN PEARL: I respect him greatly. He’s a top coach who knows the game well. I’m proud of my team, and hopefully, the committee sees our potential.
In the end, this game showed us the highs and lows of a competitive season. Every player on this team is committed. We’ve faced adversity together and emerged stronger. As the tournament approaches, we’ll be ready to compete.
For further insights on NCAA tournament selections, you can check out the latest analysis on NCAA’s official website.
Source link
regWall
