Bruce Pearl refused to stay on topic.
When CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson tried to ask about Auburn’s upcoming matchup with Michigan State, Pearl steered the conversation in a different direction.
“How about the SEC?” the Auburn head coach enthusiastically shouted. Then Pearl led his fist-pumping players in a round of “S-E-C” chants.
This year’s SEC has reason to crow after backing up the season-long hype that it was perhaps the strongest conference in college basketball history. Half the Elite Eight hails from the SEC after No. 1 overall seed Auburn secured its place with a 78-65 victory over fifth-seeded Michigan on Friday night.