Auburn basketball narrowly defeated South Carolina with a 66-63 victory, but suffered a significant loss as star forward Johni Broome exited the game due to a left ankle injury. This setback comes as Auburn is poised to claim the top spot in the AP poll following Tennessee's recent loss. Broome, a contender for National Player of the Year, has been instrumental in Auburn's success, leading the team in multiple statistical categories.
Auburn basketball secured a narrow victory over South Carolina with a score of 66-63, but the win was overshadowed by an unfortunate injury to their star forward, Johni Broome. The injury occurred during the second half of the game, raising concerns about Broome's availability for the upcoming matches. Auburn's triumph, coupled with Tennessee's recent loss, positions them to potentially claim the top spot in the AP poll. However, Broome's absence might impact the team's performance as they continue their campaign.
Johni Broome, Auburn's leading player and a strong contender for National Player of the Year, suffered a significant left ankle injury during the game against South Carolina. The injury happened as Broome attempted a rebound and landed awkwardly, resulting in him being helped off the court by the training staff. Auburn's head coach, Bruce Pearl, confirmed that Broome has a 'significant sprain' and will undergo further tests, including an MRI, to assess the extent of the damage[1][2].
Despite the setback of losing Broome, Auburn managed to secure a victory against South Carolina. The game was tightly contested, with Tahaad Pettiford sealing the win by making two crucial free throws in the final seconds. South Carolina had an opportunity to tie the game, but a missed three-pointer at the buzzer allowed Auburn to escape with the win. This victory is particularly significant as it positions Auburn to potentially claim the No. 1 spot in the AP poll, following Tennessee's recent loss to Florida[2][3].
Before his injury, Johni Broome was having an exceptional season, averaging 18.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. His performances have been pivotal to Auburn's success, with the team boasting a 15-1 record and an unbeaten run in the SEC. Broome's contributions have made him a frontrunner for the National Player of the Year award, highlighting his importance to the team's aspirations this season. His absence due to the ankle injury could pose a significant challenge for Auburn as they aim to maintain their momentum[1][3].
Auburn's victory over South Carolina is a testament to their resilience, but the injury to Johni Broome casts a shadow over their success. As Auburn prepares to potentially ascend to the No. 1 spot in the AP poll, the team will need to navigate the challenges posed by Broome's absence. His contributions have been instrumental in Auburn's impressive season thus far, and his recovery will be crucial for their continued success. The upcoming games will test Auburn's depth and adaptability as they aim to maintain their winning streak.
"Johni Broome has a sprained ankle. We'll go back to Auburn and get (an) MRI and X-Rays and see if there is anything more." - Bruce Pearl
"Johni Broome is down, and holding his left ankle." - Vince Wolfram