Bruce Pearl seeks unity among Auburn and Tennessee fans in NCAA Tournament

In Lexington, Kentucky, on March 22, 2025, Bruce Pearl, the head coach of Auburn's basketball team, appealed to Auburn fans and Tennessee supporters to come together and cheer for each other's teams during the NCAA Tournament. He emphasized the importance of fan attendance at Rupp Arena as the Tigers prepared to face Creighton in the early round. Pearl highlighted that Auburn's future in the tournament does not depend on assumptions of automatic victories. He reminded the audience that Creighton, a solid team in their own right, previously ended Louisville's season, indicating that Auburn must not underestimate them. Pearl's call for unity was further supported by Rick Barnes, head coach at Tennessee. The two coaches shared a close relationship and collaborated to promote solidarity between fans of the SEC schools despite their teams being in different regions of the tournament. They both hope that Tennessee fans will join Auburn supporters to create a strong home court advantage at Rupp Arena by wearing orange. With Auburn facing Creighton and Tennessee playing later, Pearl was optimistic about the attendance of Volunteers at the earlier game. He highlighted that Tennessee fans could help elevate the atmosphere to support Auburn while enjoying the games together. Both coaches emphasized the need for each fan base to look out for their program during this critical time, as the SEC aims for representation and strength in the tournament. The situation was particularly important as the NCAA Tournament not only serves as a platform for showcasing skill but also represents an opportunity for both teams to prove their merit against highly competitive opponents. While previous engagements had not been easy for Auburn, the players expressed their determination to capitalize on the moment, especially since many had not progressed past the first weekend of the tournament before. Pearl's vision for the event was for it to become a celebration of SEC basketball, allowing both Auburn and Tennessee supporters to make their presence felt in an arena often associated with rivals.