Auburn’s 70-64 win over Michigan State in the Elite Eight on Sunday was a testament to the team’s depth and resilience. With star player Johni Broome injured, the Tigers turned to their bench players, including Chaney Johnson and Dylan Cardwell, to fill the void.
Broome suffered an elbow injury midway through the game, but despite the setback, he trusted his faith and said there was no worry about the extent of the injury. The team’s doctors later confirmed that Broome had not suffered any “serious” damage.
In a crucial moment, Broome told his teammates to remain relentless, saying “Finish the game for me.” Johnson echoed those sentiments, saying that they needed to step up and compete at a high level despite the absence of their best player. The team’s poise and determination paid off, as they maintained a 10-point lead even after Broome returned to the game.
The win was a significant one for Auburn, which is seeking revenge against Florida, its arch-rival that ended a 14-game winning streak in February. The Tigers’ dominance of the SEC had drawn doubters, but their NCAA tournament performance has showcased their true strength.
Coach Bruce Pearl praised his team’s defensive play, saying they did a good job of keeping guards out and switching on defense. The win marked another turning point for the Tigers, who had slipped up in the final two weeks before the tournament. But Auburn’s depth and camaraderie have carried them through to the Final Four.
As Kelly said, “This is next man up. So it doesn’t matter who’s down, who’s not playing; everybody who’s in the game is going to compete at a high level and give it their all.” With Broome back and healthy enough to lead the team into San Antonio, Auburn will look to capitalize on its momentum and take another step towards the national championship.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44471427/auburn-final-four-msu-amid-broome-injury-scare