Longtime Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl shared his thoughts on Chad Baker-Mazara’s early ejection from the Tigers’ first-round loss in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Baker-Mazara was ejected for a flagrant foul early in the game against Yale on March 22, and Pearl believed the call was tough but had a significant impact on the outcome. Pearl also defended Baker-Mazara against criticism from Auburn fans, urging them to stop attacking his player on social media and showing support for him. Despite Baker-Mazara being a key player for Auburn, turnovers and missed opportunities on the court contributed to their defeat.
The Auburn coach argued that the team’s inability to maintain possession of the basketball during the game, in addition to Yale’s advantage in trips to the free-throw line, were significant factors in the loss. He believed that if Baker-Mazara had not been ejected, the outcome of the game would have been different, suggesting that Auburn would have beaten Yale by a sizable margin. Baker-Mazara, who typically averages 10.3 points per game, did not score before his ejection, highlighting his absence as a key factor in Auburn’s defeat.
Associate head coach Steven Pearl also expressed confidence in Auburn’s ability to secure a victory over Yale if Baker-Mazara had remained on the court for the entire game. He emphasized that Auburn was superior to Yale and should have been able to defeat them even without their key player. The coach’s comments indicate a belief in the team’s potential and talent, suggesting that Baker-Mazara’s ejection had a significant impact on their performance in the game.
Despite the disappointing loss in the NCAA tournament, both Bruce Pearl and Steven Pearl expressed frustration with the criticism directed towards Baker-Mazara from fans on social media. Bruce Pearl stood up for his player and called out those attacking him, urging them to show support and understanding for the junior guard. The coach’s defense of Baker-Mazara highlights the close bond and protective nature of the Auburn basketball program towards its players, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and unity in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Moving forward, Auburn will likely take the lessons learned from their defeat in the NCAA tournament to improve and grow as a team. The coaches’ support for Baker-Mazara and their belief in the team’s potential suggest a resilient and determined approach to future games and challenges. Despite the disappointment of the loss, the Tigers will continue to strive for success and work together to overcome obstacles as they move forward in their basketball season. The Auburn basketball program’s commitment to its players and their development on and off the court will likely continue to be a driving force in their journey towards future victories.
