The No. 1 Auburn Tigers secured the SEC Championship with a dominant 94-78 victory over the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, clinching the regular-season title. They did so in Rupp Arena, a venue where they hadn’t won since 1988 and one that has been especially challenging for head coach Bruce Pearl, who has brought several teams to Lexington over the years.
The significance of the achievement wasn’t lost on Pearl, who had prepared a speech in case his team had lost. “There have been times when I’ve brought really good teams in here and we’ve gotten spanked,” he said.
Pearl’s Tigers were in peak form heading into the Kentucky game, while the Wildcats were struggling. It’s noteworthy that in what is considered one of the best conferences ever, the SEC’s flagship basketball program, Kentucky, is currently tied for eighth place at 8-8. While the Wildcats aren’t at their best, Pearl still respects the program’s legacy.
“I want to bring a team in here and honor the game, win or lose,” Pearl said. “We’ve played well at times and still lost, but this is historic.”
He jokingly added, “Every now and then, when there’s a coaching change, my name comes up. ‘Why would you ever want me as your coach when I can’t win in Rupp?’ That was going to be my line,” Pearl said with a smile.
Pearl reflected on the difficulties his teams have faced at Kentucky. “Having coached at Southern Indiana in Evansville, Indiana, I know how much people in Kentucky and Indiana love their basketball—whether it’s high school or Division II. There are no fans more knowledgeable than here in Kentucky.”
With a record of two wins and 31 losses in 33 tries at Rupp, Pearl noted the importance of this victory. “For this one to be for a championship, that’s why we do it—to make history. This is our fifth team in the last eight years to win either a regular-season or tournament championship. I’m just so proud and happy.”
Pearl, who turns 65 this month and has been at Auburn for over a decade, has turned the Tigers into an SEC powerhouse. However, success in the NCAA Tournament has been elusive, with a Final Four appearance in 2019 being the highlight. Now, after proving he can win at Rupp, Pearl’s focus shifts to even bigger goals.
