The atmosphere at State Farm Arena in Atlanta shifted dramatically as Auburn star Johni Broome exited the court, gripping his elbow and displaying visible signs of discomfort. With just over 10 minutes left in the game, television cameras caught the fifth-year senior mouthing the words "I'm done" as he walked off the floor, accompanied by his mother. However, in a surprising turn of events, Broome returned to the court just six minutes later, making a statement by sinking a crucial three-pointer from the right wing. This pivotal shot not only sealed Michigan State's Final Four aspirations but also ignited a wave of excitement among the Auburn supporters.
With a final score of 70-64, the Auburn Tigers secured their place in the Final Four for the second time in six years, triumphing over Michigan State in the South Regional final. Under the guidance of head coach Bruce Pearl, who has transformed Auburn into a premier basketball program, the Tigers achieved an impressive 27-2 record and maintained the No. 1 ranking in the FOX Sports Top 25 for a significant portion of the season. Despite entering the NCAA Tournament with a shaky performance, losing three out of their last four games, the Tigers proved they could rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
From the game's outset, Broome and the Tigers displayed dominance against the Big Ten regular-season champion Spartans. The game saw Auburn embark on a remarkable 17-0 run within the first half, establishing a commanding 23-8 lead just ten minutes in. Although Michigan State attempted to close the gap, they managed to hold the lead for a mere 22 seconds throughout the game. Broome ended the night with an impressive game-high of 25 points and 14 rebounds, while teammate Tahaad Pettiford contributed 10 points to the victory.
The Tigers' defense played a crucial role in their win, making it difficult for Michigan State's Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson to find their rhythm. The duo struggled, combining for only 10-of-30 shooting from the floor. The day truly belonged to Broome, who not only overcame what appeared to be a season-ending injury but also electrified the crowd with his determination and skill, propelling his team to the Final Four in San Antonio next weekend.
John Fanta, a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports, has been covering the sport in various capacities, including game commentary on FS1 and serving as the lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @John_Fanta for more insights and updates. For those who wish to receive top stories directly in their inbox, consider creating or logging into your FOX Sports account to receive a personalized newsletter that keeps you informed about your favorite leagues, teams, and players.
