Charles Barkley cries tears of joy as Auburn makes first ever Final Four
It’s a special day for Auburn University, and that naturally led to an emotional moment from one of the school’s most famous alumni.
Despite missing one of its most important players in Chuma Okeke, Auburn stunned Kentucky 77-71 in the Elite Eight to reach the first Final Four in program history. In the immediate aftermath of the victory, Auburn alumnus Charles Barkley was emotional.
Enjoy it, Charles. pic.twitter.com/ZyNq4Lpbcm
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 31, 2019
Initially trying to hold back a smile, Barkley accepted a congratulations from co-host Kenny Smith. As the pair shook hands, Smith pointed out that Barkley was letting out some tears.
His statue avenged, an elated Barkley later called the win “the greatest day in Auburn basketball history.”
"The greatest day in Auburn basketball history"#MarchMadness, it doesn't get any better than this. pic.twitter.com/ft5etQuhPU
— March Madness TV (@MarchMadnessTV) March 31, 2019
It’s hard to disagree with that, and it’s also worth wondering where the Tigers’ run ranks in all of Auburn athletics history.
Not even Charles Barkley had Auburn in the Final Four
Auburn’s march past blue bloods Kansas, North Carolina and Kentucky was shocking for just about everyone, including the program’s lone Naismith Hall of Famer.
Barkley initially had Auburn losing to North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen, and probably wouldn’t have liked the Tigers’ chances against Kentucky without Okeke either.
Not even Charles Barkley picked Auburn to be in the Final Four 😂 pic.twitter.com/BEey3CC5IK
— SB Nation (@SBNation) March 31, 2019
It’s hard to imagine Barkley will be so humble next weekend, when Auburn takes on No. 2 overall seed Virginia for a shot at a previously unthinkable national championship.
Auburn students storm Toomer’s Corner again
Of course, Charles Barkley isn’t the only Auburn fan out there.
Like they did after taking down UNC, Auburn students and other fans celebrated by storming Toomer’s Corner and TPing everything tall in sight.
Here’s video of Toomer’s Corner the moment Auburn defeated Kentucky to advance to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. War Eagle! pic.twitter.com/SbmJwLREEx
— Sadie Appleton (@tonisadapple) March 31, 2019
Toomer's Corner is all the way lit: https://t.co/WKX356egQm pic.twitter.com/WlivN2Obvu
— Josh Vitale (@JoshVitale) March 31, 2019
One fan even jumped onto a walk signal to lead some cheering.
Toomer’s Corner is packed celebrating @AuburnMBB’s first Final Four appearance. pic.twitter.com/gXEt9SNZmd
— Sara Palczewski (@SaraPalczewski) March 31, 2019
Let it all out Auburn, it’s time for the Final Four.
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