South Carolina coach Frank Martin reacts during a 79-70 loss at Auburn on March 3, 2018.

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AUBURN, Alabama — Frank Martin walked off the court disappointed but impressed.

The South Carolina coach watched Auburn celebrate a 79-70 victory and an SEC title in the regular-season finale, and did so without disdain. The sold-out Auburn Arena was unlike anything he had seen here at Auburn, where the Tigers had not won an SEC title since 1999.

“We came here my first and second year in the league. It wasn’t like this,” he said, referring to the Tony Barbee era at Auburn. “A lot of credit to Auburn and its administration and fans. Those kids, too.”

Martin shared his admiration of Auburn coach Bruce Pearl and the Tigers’ fans on Twitter after the game, too. It wasn’t a half-hearted gesture. He made it a point to pat the Tigers on the back and the road atmosphere in Auburn.

“Obviously, Bruce has been involved in it to create the atmosphere that they have created,” Martin said. “That was phenomenal. That is what college basketball is all about. By the way, no one was rude — nobody. College kids saying great stuff that made me laugh on the way in and out of the arena. No one being rude. Everyone was positive. Everyone cheered for the game and their team. Incredible atmosphere. Hats off to Auburn.”

South Carolina advanced to the Final Four last season, but suffered a losing season heading into the SEC Tournament this year. The Gamecocks knocked off Auburn in their first meeting earlier this season. It was a game Auburn suffered the loss of forward Anfernee McLemore to a heartbreaking ankle injury.

Martin was one of the first coaches on the floor to try to console McLemore.

“Frank Martin, he's as classy a man and a coach as there is in college basketball,” Pearl said. “I’ve got so much respect for him. And trust me when I tell you that even though he really wanted to win the game tonight to be able to skip around in the SEC Tournament, I know Frank is happy for me and my coaching staff and Auburn.”

Congratulations to @AuburnMBB and @coachbrucepearl winning the SEC Championship is the real deal. Much ???????to how hard Auburn has worked to create that environment. Your crowd was awesome and not one person was rude #Respect — Frank Martin (@FrankMartin_SC) March 3, 2018

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