SALT LAKE CITY — Bruce Pearl’s voice has recovered in the 40 hours or so since he screamed his vocal chords raw during Auburn’s last-second, first-round win over New Mexico State. His players’ legs? He’s not as sure about their condition. The Tigers’ second-round matchup against Kansas is 10 hours away. It’s the Tigers’ sixth game in 10 days, which is why Pearl scheduled team breakfast for 10:00 a.m.
The 59-year-old Pearl is seated in a hidden dining room beneath the Marriott as the Auburn players quietly ladle scramble eggs, potatoes, oatmeal and fruit onto their plates.