Steven Pearl calls out Auburn for 'pathetic' rebounding effort vs. Jackson State

Auburn head coach Steven Pearl wasn’t satisfied with the Tigers’ 112-66 win over Jackson State on Wednesday. The first-year HC was particularly frustrated with his team’s rebounding performance.

“I’m glad that [KeShawn Murphy] rebounded because the rest of our team didn’t, which was really disappointing,” Pearl said. “To only out rebound that team by two is pathetic, and it’s kind of embarrassing, because it’s the worst rebounding team in college basketball.

“To only be +2 there, teams are gonna look at that and they’re gonna get excited. So, we took a step back in that area. While in the Houston game, I thought we did a really good job. And, obviously, the games before that, we did a good job.”

In the win, reeled in 30 rebounds compared to Jackson State’s 28. Moreover, Jackson State tallied three more offensive boards than the Tigers.

However, it’s worth noting that Auburn had fewer opportunities on the offensive glass. The Tigers shot an excellent 42-65 (65%) from the field and 13-32 (41%) from beyond the arc. In contrast, Jackson State connected on just 41% of its shot attempts.

KeShawn Murphy led the Tigers with seven rebounds. Elyjah Freeman trailed closely behind with six boards. Alas, no other Tigers recorded more than three rebounds in the win.

Steven Pearl was likely upset with Auburn’s rebounding performance due to Jackson State’s efforts on the glass against its two other Power Four opponents this season. In its losses against Illinois and Louisville earlier this year, Jackson State was out-rebounded 110 to 48.

Illinois and Louisville also shot well against Jackson State, but didn’t allow that to stop them from pulling down a surplus of rebounds. With a matchup against Oregon on Monday, Auburn will have a chance to bounce back in a big way. Auburn athletic director John Cohen has been happy with Steven Pearl’s start as the Tigers’ head coach.

“I love Steven’s passion. I think he’s one of the great defensive coaches in the country. I think our staff, collectively is one of the one of the best staffs in the country,” Auburn athletic director John Cohen said in an interview with AL.com. “I think that if you’re going to have a 13-person change on your roster, there are going to be growing pains. 

“Steven doesn’t want those growing pains, and he’s gonna fight like hell every day to get the most out of this group that he possibly can.”