Auburn into Final 4 amid Broome injury scare

• Myron MedcalfMar 30, 2025, 07:40 PM ET Close Covers college basketball

• Joined ESPN.com in 2011
• Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato

ATLANTA– In March, every coach sounds as if they’re reciting a line from a film as they promote the “next male up” theory. But they all privately hope they never have to employ that philosophy.Midway through the 2nd half of Auburn’s 70-64 win over Michigan State in the Elite 8 on Sunday, nevertheless, Johni Broome– the SEC Gamer of the Year– rested on the court with his eyes closed after he ‘d landed awkwardly, initially on his left leg and then on his right elbow, while trying to obstruct a shot. At that moment, a State Farm Arena packed with Auburn fans– simply over 100 miles from the school’s school– went silent.”I was actually just attempting to see how hurt [my elbow] was,”said Broome, who added that he trusted his faith in that minute.” There was no worry at all.”With a journey to the Last Four on the line and their finest player injured and on his method to the locker space, the Tigers required help. And they got it.While Broome’s race versus Duke’s Cooper Flagg for nationwide player of the year has gathered headings, Auburn’s depth has actually been the best supporting actor in this group’s run to the Last Four, 6 years after the program’s first trip.Editor’s Picks 2 Related As he left the bench to see the group’s medical professionals, Broome informed his teammates to stay relentless.

“[ Broome] simply stated,’End up the game for me,'” stated Chaney Johnson, who had eight points. “In the moment, I was

simply kind of down a bit since the best player on the team, truthfully, is injured. One of the most gifted players on the group. So we were type of hurt, but [Dylan Cardwell] took a look at me and resembled, ‘Yo, you got ta surface it if he comes back or if he does not return. ‘”That has actually been the style this season: This is no one-man show. Tahaad Pettiford– a luxury hire– has actually progressed into one of the leading young players in college basketball. Miles Kelly made significant plays Sunday and throughout the season after transferring from Georgia Tech. Denver Jones, a member of the all-SEC protective team, has helped this group become one of America’s leading protective teams. Chad Baker-Mazara is the mercurial, psychological spark. However when Broome left with his elbow injury, the Tigers turned to Johnson and Cardwell, who have actually been vital post players all year.They assisted Auburn preserve its poise.When Broome left Sunday’s game, the Tigers led by 10. When he returned near the five-minute mark, the Tigers still led by 10.”They’re my bros,”Broome stated.

“They have actually got my back no matter what.

I went to the locker room. There was no drop-off. “Broome, who led a 17-0 run in the very first half and hit a 3-pointer

soon after reentering the game in the 2nd half, stated physicians told him he had not suffered any “major”elbow damage, and the school announced that X-rays were negative. That implies the Tigers will travel to San Antonio for the Last 4 mostly healthy as they attempt to avenge a February loss to Florida that ended their 14-game winning streak.That variation of Auburn lost simply one game throughout a 90-day stretch and dominated the SEC. In the last two weeks prior to the NCAA competition, nevertheless, the Tigers sleepwalked through a 1-3 stretch.That slip drew doubters and bets against the Tigers, as Duke ended up being the favorite to win the championship game. Even coach Bruce Pearl acknowledged that his team had actually taken a step back.But the NCAA competition offered Auburn a platform to display the dominant basketball– the Tigers had actually registered a scoring clip of 176 points per 100 belongings midway through the first half Sunday– that had helped the program make the top general seed in the tournament. “Our guys played some actually, actually excellent basketball defensively,”Pearl stated.” We did a good job of keeping those guards out, switching, putting bodies on bodies. Sometimes, it’s more difficult to do what you’re expected to do.”And now the team will march to San Antonio after winning another game that included real difficulty with Broome’s injury

and as Michigan State attempted to preserve Tom Izzo’s undefeated record versus SEC groups in the NCAA competition by cutting Auburn’s lead to 6 points late. However the Tigers, in both scenarios, kept going. Since that’s all they know.”

We are a team loaded with pets, “said Kelly, who ended up with 8 points in the win in Atlanta, his home town.”I mean, that’s what canines do. They get hot at the correct time, and that’s what March has to do with, and that’s what we’re doing today. This is next male up, so it does not matter who’s down, who’s not playing; everyone who’s in the game is going to contend at a high level and give it their all. “