Johni Broome of Auburn made the Tennessee fans pay for pulling the tiger’s tail.

Johni Broome of Auburn Made Tennessee Fans Pay for Pulling the Tiger’s Tail

In the world of college basketball, there are games that transcend the typical contest between two teams. There are matchups that build intense rivalries, foster passionate fan bases, and bring out the best in individual performances. On January 27, 2025, one such game took place when the Auburn Tigers and the Tennessee Volunteers clashed in a high-stakes SEC showdown. This game would come to symbolize much more than just a win for the Tigers. It was a statement—a statement made by none other than Auburn’s Johni Broome, who put on a show that would leave Tennessee fans with little to cheer about. In a performance that had the perfect mix of skill, leadership, and drama, Broome made the Tennessee faithful pay for pulling the tiger’s tail.

The phrase “pulling the tiger’s tail” in this context isn’t just a metaphor; it speaks to the ongoing tension between the two programs and the fervor that builds up before a game like this. Over the years, Auburn and Tennessee have cultivated a rivalry that has only grown more intense with each passing season. As teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC), both schools are accustomed to playing high-level basketball, and when they meet on the court, it’s always a battle for supremacy.

For Tennessee fans, the challenge to Auburn came in the form of loud, confident, and at times, provocative banter. Volunteer fans, known for their enthusiasm, had made their presence felt throughout the week leading up to the game. There was talk of how the Volunteers were ready to assert their dominance, of how they had the talent to shut down Auburn’s offensive schemes. But no matter how much talk there was, the only thing that mattered when the game tipped off was the performance on the floor—and that’s where Johni Broome entered the conversation.

Setting the Stage: Auburn vs. Tennessee

The matchup between Auburn and Tennessee was billed as one of the biggest games of the SEC calendar. Both teams entered the game with solid records, with Auburn seeking to make a statement after some early SEC losses. On the other side, Tennessee, led by head coach Rick Barnes, was looking to assert its place as a national title contender, with a roster brimming with talent. Tennessee had built up significant hype, with many pundits predicting a strong run through the conference.

However, while Tennessee was well-regarded, it was Auburn that would show they weren’t willing to be anyone’s stepping stone. And leading the charge for the Tigers was Johni Broome, the senior forward who had already cemented himself as one of the most complete players in college basketball. His return for his senior season was seen as a pivotal moment for Auburn, and he had been delivering on every expectation placed on him.

Broome was playing with something to prove. Despite his impressive stats and accolades, many questioned whether Auburn could compete with the elite teams in the SEC. Critics pointed to their early losses, but Broome’s leadership was exactly what the Tigers needed to reassert themselves as one of the top teams in the conference.

When the game against Tennessee began, it was clear that Broome was locked in and ready to carry his team. The Volunteers quickly learned they had made a mistake in underestimating the Auburn Tigers.

First Half: A Dominant Display

From the very first whistle, it was evident that Broome was going to be a problem for Tennessee. The Volunteers had struggled in the past to handle elite forwards, and Broome presented the perfect challenge with his blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ. Early in the game, he found his rhythm and immediately started making his presence felt.

Broome opened the game with a smooth mid-range jumper that was a sign of things to come. His ability to shoot from the perimeter, combined with his post moves and rebounding, created matchup problems for Tennessee. As the first half wore on, it became clear that Broome wasn’t just going to dominate physically; he was also going to outthink Tennessee’s defense.

Throughout the first 20 minutes, Broome seemed to be everywhere. Whether it was grabbing rebounds, setting up his teammates, or scoring in the post, Broome’s all-around game was on full display. By halftime, he had amassed 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. It was the type of performance that showed not only his offensive ability but also his leadership in the crucial moments of the game.

But while Broome’s individual play was impressive, it was his ability to elevate those around him that truly set the tone. Auburn’s offense was flowing through Broome, and his leadership allowed the Tigers to pull away from Tennessee in the final minutes of the first half. By the break, Auburn had built a solid lead, and it was clear that Broome was the reason for their success.

For Tennessee, the first half was a wake-up call. They had been confident going into the game, but Broome’s dominance on both ends of the floor made it clear they would have to adjust quickly if they were going to make a run in the second half.

The Second Half: Broome Makes Tennessee Pay

As the second half began, Tennessee came out with the intention of fighting back. They knew they had to make adjustments and stop Broome from taking over the game. But it quickly became apparent that Broome was not just playing for the win—he was playing for respect. The Tennessee crowd, which had been loud and confident before the game, was now eerily quiet as they watched Auburn’s star forward continue his assault on their defense.

Broome’s scoring in the second half was nothing short of spectacular. He scored in a variety of ways, from his smooth jump shot to his powerful drives to the basket. Each time Tennessee seemed to be gaining some momentum, Broome would strike again, either scoring himself or creating an opportunity for one of his teammates. His combination of scoring and playmaking was simply too much for Tennessee to handle.

One of the most memorable moments came when Broome intercepted a pass near midcourt and took it the length of the floor for an emphatic dunk. The Tennessee fans, who had been so vocal before the game, were left speechless as Broome’s dunk sent the Auburn bench into a frenzy. It was a defining moment in the game, a moment where it became clear that Broome was not just going to beat Tennessee—he was going to make them remember it.

Throughout the second half, Broome displayed his ability to take control of the game in clutch moments. With the score tight and Tennessee threatening to cut the lead, Broome hit a crucial three-pointer from the top of the key, silencing the remaining Tennessee fans in the arena. The Volunteers had no answer for Broome’s versatility and leadership, and as the game wound down, it was clear that Auburn would walk away with a hard-fought victory.

By the end of the game, Broome finished with a career-high 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. His performance was nothing short of legendary, and it helped secure Auburn’s 75-68 victory over Tennessee. But it was more than just the statistics. Broome had put on a masterclass in leadership, showing not only his skill but his ability to take control of a game and make his opponents pay for underestimating him.

Tennessee Fans: A Tough Lesson in Humility

For Tennessee fans, this loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The Volunteers had come into the game with confidence, fully believing they could handle Auburn. But as Johni Broome took over the game and led the Tigers to victory, Tennessee fans were forced to watch as their team was humbled on their home court.

The chants of “SEC! SEC!” that had filled the arena before the game turned into silence as the Volunteers struggled to mount any meaningful response to Broome’s dominance. The loud, boisterous fanbase was now quiet, unable to comprehend how their team had been outplayed by a player who had been dismissed by some as a secondary option behind the Tigers’ other stars.

This was a loss that would sting for Tennessee fans for a long time. It wasn’t just the defeat itself but the way in which it happened—Tennessee had been outclassed by a player they had failed to respect enough. Broome had been underestimated, and he made them pay for it in the most spectacular fashion possible.

Broome’s Legacy: More Than Just a Win

For Johni Broome, this performance was a defining moment in his Auburn career. It was the type of game that not only helped his team but solidified his legacy as one of the most dominant players in college basketball. He had single-handedly turned the tide for Auburn, leading them to an important victory on the road in one of the toughest environments in the SEC. But more than that, Broome’s performance was a reminder of why he had decided to return for another season with the Tigers: to prove to the world that he was one of the best, and that Auburn was not a team to be underestimated.

For Auburn, the victory was a much-needed boost to their SEC campaign. After a rough start to conference play, the Tigers had shown that they could compete with the best, especially with a player like Broome leading the charge. This win over Tennessee sent a message to the rest of the league: Auburn was back, and they were ready to make a run for the SEC title.

As for Tennessee, the loss was a wake-up call. They had been riding high, but now they would have to regroup and figure out how to respond to Broome’s dominance. They would also have to reflect on how their arrogance had led them to underestimate Auburn, and perhaps, just perhaps, realize that pulling the tiger’s tail comes with consequences.