Charles Barkley predicted ‘UNC’s going down!’ in shot at Michael Jordan’s old team and threatened to ‘curse on live TV’ before huge upset of No. 1 seed
Charles Barkley called out Alabama while predicting the downfall of the first No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The NBA legend and former Auburn star had a blast on TV while enjoying the biggest upset of the Sweet 16.
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Grant Nelson and Alabama backed up Charles Barkley’s prediction by upsetting No. 1 North CarolinaCredit: GettyBarkley, who once was a NBA playing rival of Michael Jordan, interrupted a live broadcast to tell everyone watching that “UNC is going down tonight!”
Barkley was referring to No. 1 North Carolina, which was supposed to end up in the Final Four but now is staring at a finished season.
“I’m definitely hurt. I think we all are a little shocked,” The Tar Heels’ Armando Bacot said. “Felt like we hand a chance to win the national championship this year.”
Bacot scored with 1 second left, pulling North Carolina within 89-87 of No. 4 Alabama.
READ MORE ON BASKETBALLBut that was the closest that UNC got, as the Tar Heels fell short again, despite owning six national championships.
“These guys are bringing their competitive side out at the right time,” Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said. “You want to be peaking in March and we’re peaking in March.”
Barkely called it before it happened, appearing to revel in the potential that Jordan’s old team could lose in the NCAA Tournament ahead of schedule.
Kenny Smith was praising No. 1 Connecticut, which easily beat San Diego State 82-52.
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Kenny Smith was trying to make a point about Connecticut before Barkley interrupted
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Barkley had to let everyone know that North Carolina was about to lose to his old college rivalBarkley couldn’t help but chime in while Smith was speaking, yelling that the Tar Heels were about to lose.
That forced Barkley to admit that Alabama, his old playing rival, was going to win.
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“I’m going to curse on live TV tonight,” Barkley joked. “When UNC plays, I’m going to say those bad words.”
“We’ll look ahead to Alabama and North Carolina,” host Ernie Johnson said.
“Those are the bad words,” Barkley said.
Even Auburn coach Bruce Pearl got in on the fun.
“It takes two Ls to spell Roll Tide,” Pearl said.
Barkley got his wish as Bama downed UNC and Jordan’s old school.
Now, Barkley gets to watch the college team he hates keep playing in March Madness, while North
“It takes two Ls to spell ROLL TIDE. A good day at Auburn is when we win and they lose. But you know what, my hat’s off to them. They played great. And Grant Nelson, he was a monster.”
—@coachbrucepearl on Alabama’s win over UNC pic.twitter.com/BOwOPST8OB
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 29, 2024
