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Oxford Today
By the People, for the People
Barkley Jokes With Pearl Over Miami (OH) Takes: 'There's Some People Looking for You'
The NBA legend pokes fun at the Auburn coach's comments about the RedHawks' NCAA Tournament bid.
Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:07am
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During a pregame segment before the First Four matchup, Charles Barkley joked with Bruce Pearl about the Auburn coach's recent comments regarding Miami (OH)'s potential at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Barkley told Pearl that "there's some people looking for you" in Dayton, where the RedHawks are playing their First Four game, due to Pearl's controversial takes on the team.
Why it matters
Barkley and Pearl's exchange highlights the ongoing debate around mid-major programs and their chances of earning at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament, especially when a team like Miami (OH) has a strong regular season but falls short in its conference tournament.
The details
Barkley, who is calling the First Four game for truTV, told Pearl that one of his "prerequisites" for working the game was not having to be in the studio with the Auburn coach due to his recent comments about Miami (OH). Pearl had initially said the RedHawks were not one of the "best 37 at-large teams" despite their strong record, but later reversed course and said the team should get in.
- Barkley and Pearl's exchange took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026, before the First Four games began.
The players
Charles Barkley
A former NBA player and current basketball analyst for TNT.
Bruce Pearl
The head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team.
Miami (OH) RedHawks
The men's basketball team from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, who earned an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
What they’re saying
“One of my prerequisites for working this game was that I didn't want to be in the studio with you. Because there's some people looking for you, Bruce. I didn't want to get beat up because I was sitting beside you.”
— Charles Barkley
“With Miami (Ohio), here's the deal. Are we going to select the 68 most deserving teams, or are we going to select the 68 best teams? If we're selecting the 68 best teams, Miami (Ohio) is gonna have to win their Tournament to qualify as a champion. As an at-large, they are not one of the best teams in the country. That's going to be a difficult choice for the committee to make.”
— Bruce Pearl, Head Coach, Auburn Tigers
“In spite of the recent propaganda I've always been a mid-major guy. I think a one-loss Miami of Ohio team should get in! I don't think they are one of the best 37 at large teams, but are 1 of the most deserving. Good for the MAC, Cinderella and March madness.”
— Bruce Pearl, Head Coach, Auburn Tigers
What’s next
The Miami (OH) RedHawks will face off against SMU in the First Four matchup on Wednesday, March 19, 2026.
The takeaway
Barkley and Pearl's exchange highlights the ongoing debate around mid-major programs and their chances of earning at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament, especially when a team like Miami (OH) has a strong regular season but falls short in its conference tournament. The inclusion of the RedHawks in the field of 68 will be closely watched as an example of the selection committee's criteria for at-large selections.
