Charles Barkley promised he would use a bad word Thursday during CBS’ broadcast of the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16.
As it turns out, Alabama is the word, but it took it further than anyone anticipated.
He gave a “Roll Tide” and did so with a little country twang.
Auburn fans may need to sit down.
To put it in perspective, the former NBA star has always said he would root for Afghanistan over Alabama, so there is no love lost there.
However, he was simply picking who he thought would win Thursday’s Alabama-North Carolina game.
The Tide is 1-9 overall in Sweet 16 appearances.
Earlier in CBS’ coverage, Barkley said a couple of things need to happen in order for the Tide to get the win.
“They are going to have to make 15 3-pointers to win this game, but they cannot match up with the physicality of UNC,” Barkley said roughly 90 minutes before the start of the game. “But their 3-point shooting, led by (Mark) Mr. Sears, as one of the great leaders on this team. If they can make enough 3-point shots, they can win this game.”
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Sears is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers per game for the Crimson Tide, scoring 21.5 points while shooting 43.5 percent from beyond the arc. Aaron Estrada is shooting 47.7 percent and averaging 14.3 points over the last 10 games.
The need for the perimeter game is simple, according to Barkley.
North Carolina is the ACC leader with 40.9 rebounds per game led by Armando Bacot averaging 10.2. Bacot and Harrison Ingram present a formidable front-court challenge. Barkley doesn’t think the Tide can handle the duo.
“It’s going to come down to that,” Barkley said. “They are a very frail team. They can’t handle North Carolina in the post. That’s a huge advantage for North Carolina, but Alabama is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country.”
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.