Auburn rallies after Johni Broome's injury to secure victory over South Carolina

In Columbia, South Carolina, on January 11, 2025, Auburn University's Johni Broome sustained a significant left ankle sprain during a Southeastern Conference game against South Carolina. The injury occurred late in the second half when Broome landed awkwardly after contesting a shot, resulting in immediate assistance off the court. Despite his departure, Auburn secured a narrow 66-63 victory, demonstrating strength and resilience with key contributions from other players such as Tahaad Pettiford, who led the team with 15 points, and Dylan Cardwell, who scored the go-ahead dunk. Following the game, Auburn announced that an MRI had confirmed Broome's sprain was non-surgical, alleviating concerns about a more severe injury. However, Coach Bruce Pearl acknowledged that Broome's absence would pose challenges, as he is central to their offensive strategy, leading the team in scoring and rebounds at the time of injury. While Broome's return to the lineup remains uncertain, the Tigers are in a strong position in the conference but will need to adapt quickly to maintain their momentum as they prepare for a crucial matchup against Mississippi State. The implications of Broome's injury could affect Auburn's chances in an increasingly competitive SEC race, where every game is pivotal to their postseason aspirations.