In a tense atmosphere at State Farm Arena, the heavy Auburn crowd erupted into sudden silence as star player Johni Broome, the SEC Player of the Year, grimaced on the floor, clutching his right arm. The sight was alarming, raising concerns not only for the current game against Michigan State but also for the long-term championship hopes of the No. 1 seed Tigers. The tension was palpable, with a young fan near the courtside shouting, “Hope you’re Oh-kay, Johni.” As Broome exited to the locker room, he mouthed the words “I’m done” to his teammates, leaving the crowd anxious about his condition.
Auburn had dominated the game early on, with Broome contributing 20 points and 12 rebounds in the first 30 minutes. However, the prospect of facing Tom Izzo's Spartans without their star player was daunting. The Tigers maintained a 10-point lead with under 11 minutes left, but the question loomed: could they sustain this advantage against a determined Michigan State squad?
Auburn's players were more concerned about Broome’s well-being than the potential impact on their victory. Associate head coach Steven Pearl remarked, “Our guys were more worried if he was OK and less so are we going to be able to win without him.” The team had faced adversity before; earlier in the season, they had rallied to beat South Carolina even after Broome sustained a sprained ankle. This experience gave them confidence as they fought to secure a ticket to San Antonio.
Guard Chad Baker-Mazara expressed the team's determination, saying, “That built a little fire in us seeing our guy go down.” As the game progressed, Broome made a surprising return to the bench, signaling his readiness to play. In a remarkable comeback, he rejoined the game, and the crowd erupted with excitement.
Upon re-entering the game, Broome quickly made his presence felt. He grabbed a one-arm rebound, sprinted down the court, and drained a three-pointer, extending Auburn’s lead to 60-48 with just 4:40 remaining. This electrifying moment effectively extinguished any hopes Michigan State had for a comeback. Baker-Mazara remarked on Broome’s fierce spirit, stating, “He never likes to go down. I saw it in his face. He told me I got you, don’t worry.”
Auburn ultimately emerged victorious with a score of 70-64, marking the program’s second-ever appearance in the Final Four, both under head coach Bruce Pearl. Broome led the Tigers with an impressive 25 points and 14 rebounds, while freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford added 10 points. Despite Michigan State's efforts to limit Auburn's three-point shooting, Broome proved to be an unstoppable force.
As the Tigers prepare for their semifinal clash against Florida on Saturday, concerns about Broome's injury linger. Throughout the game, he was seen grimacing and holding his right arm, and in the locker room, he received treatment with an ice pack. Although an in-game MRI indicated no serious damage, Pearl anticipated more information on Broome's condition would be available soon.
Regardless of Broome's health, Auburn boasts a formidable roster. With talented players like center Dylan Cardwell and guards like Pettiford, Baker-Mazara, and Denver Jones, the team is well-equipped to challenge for the championship. The Tigers showcased their athleticism and talent throughout the game, reminiscent of their dominant 27-2 record earlier in March.
Auburn overwhelmed Michigan State right from the start, going on a 17-0 run after briefly trailing 8-6. The electric atmosphere felt like a home game for the Tigers, with fans rallying behind their team and creating an impactful presence. Baker-Mazara noted, “Whenever we hit a shot, it felt like we hit 10 shots because of the crowd.”
Despite Michigan State's efforts to mount a comeback, Auburn's talent proved insurmountable. The Tigers, a year after a disappointing first-round exit, are now poised for greatness as they head to San Antonio. An emotional Bruce Pearl embraced fellow coach Hugh Freeze after the game, highlighting the significance of this achievement for the school and its fans. The crowd's famous chant, “It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger,” resonated throughout the arena, reflecting the excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.
