After getting upset by Kentucky on Saturday at home, Bruce Pearl was not happy and was quick to call out the officiating. Pearl cited Kentucky’s physicality as a big reason that Auburn lost, with a few plays he would be sending to the SEC that were “real physical,” he said. “I thought they were more physical, I do. There were a couple of plays that I’m going to send into the league that were real physical. That’s what happens.”
One play believed to be sent in is this one, where Auburn’s Jaylin Williams met Ugonna Onyenso while going up for a dunk. While there was contact, there was no malicious intent by Onyenso.
Throughout the game, Pearl continuously tried to please his case to the officials, which carried into the postgame. However, before the gripes about the physicality, Pearl did give credit where it is due, complimenting Kentucky on their big road victory. “Kentucky can guard, and they can turn up when they want to,” he said. “They outplayed us tonight. They played really well… Their ball pressure disrupted us.” He continued on to say, “If Kentucky guards like this, they can beat anybody.”
Given this is a Kentucky team that has had their physicality questioned for much of the season, this is a step forward in the right direction. While complaining, Pearl at least gave Kentucky credit in that regard.
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