LISTEN: Bruce Pearl loses it on officiating following Alabama loss

It’s safe to say Bruce Pearl was not a fan of the officiating in Wednesday’s game between Alabama and Auburn. The Tigers headman made his thoughts quite clear in his postgame radio interview.

Pearl pointed to the amount of players he had in foul trouble as Auburn took Alabama to overtime before falling 80-75 at Coleman Coliseum. Johni Broome fouled out with more than seven minutes left in the second half, and two others — Jaylin Williams and Allen Flanigan — also fouled out.

At the end of his answer, Pearl slammed the headset on the table.

Bruce Pearl to end the broadcast interview and ya know, I don’t disagree with one word… pic.twitter.com/cD3jRXi1Uu

— Jack Hudon (@JackHudon12) March 2, 2023

“We were incredibly outmanned at the end at three, four guys on the bench in foul trouble,” Pearl said. “Joke!”

Earlier in the interview, Pearl sounded off on the Crimson Tide’s defense and made it clear he thought more fouls should’ve been called on that end of the floor.

“At the end of the day, I’m just sick and tired our guys getting smashed down there! Smashed!” Pearl said.

A victory would’ve been huge for Auburn’s NCAA Tournament chances. The loss could loom large come Selection Sunday, and Pearl acknowledged that. In his latest Bracketology on Tuesday, ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi had Auburn as one of the last four byes in the tournament field. That very well could change after the loss.

Pearl also pointed out Dylan Cardwell’s injury late in the game, which didn’t get a whistle. He disagreed with that no-call.

“We needed that one to get into the NCAA and we didn’t get it,” Pearl said. “Dylan Cardwell’s hurt. He’s probably not going to play against Tennessee because of his injury. We need his physicality. He got fouled down there at the end of the game.”

Auburn is gearing up to end the regular season on Saturday against Tennessee. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN.