Bruce Pearl Praises Kentucky and John Calipari After Auburn Loss

The Auburn Tigers fell to the Kentucky Wildcats 73-66 on Saturday in what became the Wildcats' SEC regular season title clinching game. While Auburn is still one of the top teams in the nation, falling to a powerhouse ranked ahead of them in their conference must be tough.

Tigers' coach Bruce Pearl, though, had nothing but compliments for the Kentucky team, saying that they were "the best team" in the SEC and the trio of stars Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley and Tyrese Maxey are "hard to guard".

While most coaches would defend their teams, claiming that some bad calls were made against them, Pearl actually came out and praised Kentucky. Frankly, that's how it should be.

Pearl has done a spectacular job leading his team to a 24-4 record and within reach of an impressive NCAA Tournament seed, and should be immensely proud of the program he has built. Besides, losing to Kentucky, who is in the mix to win the SEC seemingly every year, isn't a knock on him.

While these teams may be conference rivals, that does not mean they don't have respect for one another. Good for coach Pearl for showing his team how to lose honorably.