COLUMBIA, S.C. — Johni Broome, the star player for No. 2 Auburn, suffered a significant ankle injury during the Tigers’ 66-63 victory against South Carolina. Coach Bruce Pearl announced that Broome will undergo an MRI to assess the injury’s severity.
Broome, a seasoned fifth-year senior standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 240 pounds, is a top contender for national player of the year honors. The injury occurred when he landed awkwardly on a South Carolina defender’s foot while attempting to grab a rebound in the second half. The injury left him in considerable pain, needing assistance from trainers to reach the locker room.
“He’s got a significant sprain,” Pearl stated. “When we get back to Auburn tonight, we’ll get him an MRI and see if there’s anything else at play.”
Before leaving the game with 13 minutes left, Broome contributed six points and three rebounds in 24 minutes. He had been averaging over 18 points per game and leading the SEC in rebounds, with an impressive average of 11.2.
Losing a crucial player like Broome will undoubtedly challenge the Tigers moving forward. “Without our player of the year, it’s going to be tough to find scoring options,” Pearl remarked after the game. “Johni’s a significant part of our offense.” Despite the setback, Pearl emphasized the importance of resilience, insisting it’s time for other players to step up in Broome’s absence.
Dylan Cardwell made a notable impact by scoring a key dunk that helped secure the win for Auburn. Coach Pearl also mentioned other players like Chaney Johnson, Chris Moore, and Ja’Heim Hudson as potential contributors who will need to rise to the occasion during Broome’s recovery.
