March Madness: Charles Barkley questions Auburn’s seeding, why state schools are in Spokane

Count Charles Barkley among those who believe the Auburn Tigers got jobbed by the NCAA committee when it comes to their seeding for March Madness.

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl and assistant coach Steven Pearl both voiced frustration with the Tigers’ seeding and destination.

“I’m trying to figure out why they sent all the Alabama schools to Spokane, Washington,” Barkley said Monday of Auburn, Alabama and UAB. “I have a problem with that first and foremost.”

Bruce Pearl’s Tigers earned a No. 4 seed and will play No. 13-seeded Yale (22-9) on Friday. The Blazers earned a No. 12 seed (22-11) and will play fifth-seeded San Diego State (24-10) on Friday. The two in-state schools could meet in a potential second-round game on Sunday.

Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide (21-11) will enter the West Region as a No. 4 seed and faces No. 13 Charleston (27-7) in Spokane on Friday.

“I don’t understand how Auburn can start the SEC Tournament as a four seed and win the tournament and stay a four seed,” the NBA analyst said. “And I’m looking at the three seeds. Kentucky is a three seed. I don’t have any idea how that can happen.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.