What Charles Barkley said to Alabama basketball's Mark Sears after Final Four loss

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Pro basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, of course, is an Auburn man first. But Barkley had nothing but praise for Alabama Saturday following its Final Four loss to UConn, 86-72, to end the deepest postseason run in school history.

In particular, he was impressed with point guard Mark Sears, who led the Crimson Tide with 24 points in the loss. As Sears came off the floor immediately following the game, Barkley made a point to stop him and offer a few quick words.

"He just said 'You're a great player and you had a hell of a season," Sears said. "That was about all."

That was all for the moment, anyway, until Barkley spotted Sears and center Grant Nelson again on his way through the tunnel about 45 minutes after the game, where he gave both a fist bump and some more words of encouragement.

"Obviously I have great hatred toward Alabama, but let me tell you something, those kids ... Nate Oats and those kids, man, I'm going to say it right. They made the University of Alabama proud," Barkley said on the postgame broadcast. "As an Auburn guy, this is painful, but I got to take my hat off to Nate Oats and his entire coaching staff and his team. They were awesome."

Alabama played the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament in a close game for most of the way, until UConn pulled away late with an offensive barrage. The Crimson Tide finished the season 25-11 and reached the Final Four for the first time in school history.

UConn will face Purdue Monday night in the NCAA championship game.

Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @chasegoodbread.

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