ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi isn't interested in hearing Bruce Pearl's takes on the NCAA Tournament.
Pearl sparked quite the debate last Saturday when he made the argument that Miami (OH) shouldn't get an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament despite its 30-0 record. He claims Travis Steele’s squad has to win the Mid-American Conference tournament in order to get a ticket to the dance.
“If we’re selecting the 68 best teams, then Miami (OH) is going to have to win their tournament to qualify as a champion,” Pearl said. “Because as an at-large, they are not one of the best teams in the country.”
Earlier this week, Lunardi fired back at Pearl in his latest "Bracketology" update for ESPN.
"I try to avoid debates without clear right or wrong answers, but Bruce Pearl's argument against Miami (Ohio) as an at-large team requires context," Lunardi wrote. "First, high-major status aside, we have no idea whether Auburn is the better basketball team. Second, Miami has won four more true road games than Auburn has played, and road teams in men's college basketball win less than one-third of the time. Finally, in the modern history of the NCAA tournament, great mid-majors have won almost twice as many games as middling high-majors, despite fewer bids and weaker seeding. Now, I suppose it's possible Miami is the worst undefeated team of all time, and Auburn is the best .500 team we've ever seen -- but it's way more likely Pearl would be better off leaving Bracketology to the professionals."
Alex Slitz/Getty Images
What's Bruce Pearl's motive?
Even though Pearl no longer coaches the men's basketball team for Auburn, fans are convinced he's trying to support the program by taking down mid-majors.
Auburn is currently 16-14 heading into this Saturday's game against Alabama. This is the team's first year with Steven Pearl at the helm.
Miami (OH), meanwhile, is looking to clinch a 31-0 regular-season record this Friday when it takes on Ohio.