According to an NCAA analyst, “They make you fight and elbow.” Tennessee’s strategy during Johni Broome’s comeback game against Auburn

“They Make You Fight and Elbow”: Tennessee’s Strategy During Johni Broome’s Comeback Game Against Auburn

In college basketball, no two teams have quite the same style of play. Some are known for their fast-paced offense, while others pride themselves on their defensive tenacity. For the University of Tennessee Volunteers, their strategy during their matchup against Auburn in Johni Broome’s comeback game can be summed up in one phrase: “They make you fight and elbow.” This statement, made by an NCAA analyst, perfectly encapsulates how Tennessee’s physical and aggressive approach was central to their game plan when facing a powerful Auburn team led by Broome.

Broome, a standout forward for Auburn, had been sidelined for a period, making his return to action highly anticipated by fans, analysts, and coaches alike. His comeback was expected to be a key moment in the Tigers’ season, with Broome providing a much-needed boost to their lineup. On the other side of the court, Tennessee had its own motives: to prove their defensive prowess, disrupt Broome’s rhythm, and capitalize on any opportunity to throw Auburn off balance. Their approach—aggressive, physical, and relentless—was evident throughout the game, with Broome feeling the full weight of Tennessee’s strategy every time he touched the ball.

In this article, we’ll delve into Tennessee’s game plan, how they executed it with precision, and the impact it had on both Broome’s performance and the overall outcome of the game.

Tennessee’s Defensive Identity

Tennessee has built a reputation as one of the best defensive teams in college basketball, a reputation that preceded them into this matchup with Auburn. Head coach Rick Barnes has instilled a defensive-first mentality in his squad, emphasizing toughness, grit, and the ability to wear down opponents over the course of the game. The Volunteers are known for their physicality, often using their size and strength to control the tempo and frustrate opposing players.

As an NCAA analyst put it, Tennessee’s defense is all about making opponents feel uncomfortable. “They make you fight and elbow,” the analyst said, reflecting the team’s aggressive tactics. This approach is intentional, meant to throw players off their game by forcing them to engage in a more physical, sometimes chippy style of play. For Broome, who had already been adjusting to coming back from injury, this added layer of intensity posed a significant challenge.

The Battle of the Bigs: Johni Broome and Tennessee’s Physical Defense

In his return to the court, Broome was expected to be a focal point for Auburn’s offense. As a 6-foot-10 forward, Broome is known for his versatility—he can score in the paint, stretch the floor with his shooting, and contribute as a rebounder and defender. His size and skill make him a matchup nightmare for many teams, and for Auburn, he is a centerpiece of their attack. But facing a team like Tennessee, with a stout defense led by players like Santiago Vescovi, Josiah-Jordan James, and Olivier Nkamhoua, Broome’s ability to find rhythm and execute was about to be severely tested.

From the tip-off, Tennessee’s strategy was clear: make Broome work for every point, every rebound, and every possession. They crowded him in the paint, not giving him any easy opportunities to operate inside. Whenever Broome received the ball, he was met with multiple defenders, often pushing him to the baseline or forcing him to give up the ball. Tennessee wasn’t just relying on their defensive schemes—they were using their physicality to impose their will on Broome, trying to throw him off balance by getting him into uncomfortable spots on the floor.

Elbowing Through the Paint

The statement “they make you fight and elbow” can be attributed to Tennessee’s physicality in the post and their aggressive defense on the ball. For Broome, this was evident in the way Tennessee defended him in the paint. Every time he attempted to move towards the basket or make a play in the post, the Volunteers were right there, with defenders often using their bodies to block him out or push him off his spot.

This constant pressure was intended to wear Broome down over the course of the game. Every rebound became a battle, every entry pass to Broome in the post became a contest of physicality. Tennessee’s defenders weren’t just trying to block shots or force bad attempts—they were making Broome feel the pressure of constant contact. It was a deliberate strategy to take away his comfort zone and force him to fight for every inch of space.

Elbowing in the Paint

The term “elbow” refers not just to literal elbows but to the idea of getting physical with the opponent—putting them into tough positions where they need to expend more energy just to make plays. Tennessee’s defense wasn’t just about blocking shots; it was about disrupting Broome’s ability to get comfortable and establish rhythm. Whether it was moving him off his spot in the post, contesting his shots, or making life difficult with aggressive ball pressure, Tennessee’s defenders were constantly in his face, forcing him to fight for every point he earned.

This tactic had its effects. Broome struggled to get into a rhythm during the game. He was often forced to take contested shots or pass out of plays he would normally be able to finish. Even when he was able to find some space, he was met with an elbow, a push, or a shove—just enough to make him uncomfortable. By the time the second half rolled around, it was clear that Broome had been worn down, not just physically but mentally, as the constant physicality and pressure had a cumulative effect on his performance.

The Broome Factor: Adjusting to the Pressure

For Johni Broome, who was making his highly anticipated return to the court after a stint on the sidelines, the physical nature of Tennessee’s defense was an added obstacle. Returning from an injury always comes with challenges, but facing a team as aggressive as Tennessee made this comeback even more difficult.

Broome has always been known for his poise and ability to create in tough situations, but the relentless pressure from Tennessee’s defense was a different kind of challenge. He wasn’t just trying to get back into the flow of the game; he was trying to navigate through constant contact, which limited his ability to assert himself on the floor in the way he’s accustomed to. It became clear that Broome wasn’t able to showcase his full array of skills during this contest. His scoring was limited, and his offensive contributions weren’t as impactful as usual.

However, Broome is a fighter, and despite the challenges, he made some key plays for Auburn. He was able to show flashes of his talent, particularly in moments where he was able to get positioning on the offensive glass or when he had an open lane to drive to the basket. While his numbers might not have reflected his usual output, his grit was evident as he battled through the physicality and fought for every point.

Tennessee’s Defensive Strategy: Making Auburn Fight for Every Possession

While the focus was certainly on Broome’s matchup with Tennessee’s defenders, it’s important to note that Tennessee’s strategy went beyond just limiting Broome. The Volunteers’ defense was designed to wear down the entire Auburn team, using their physicality to disrupt Auburn’s offensive flow.

Tennessee’s defensive strategy involved constant switching, aggressive ball pressure, and contested shots, all of which contributed to Auburn’s struggles to find clean looks. By forcing Auburn to take difficult shots and limiting their fast-break opportunities, Tennessee was able to dictate the tempo of the game and keep the Tigers off balance. Broome, while the centerpiece of Auburn’s offense, was not the only one who had to contend with Tennessee’s defense. The entire team felt the weight of the Volunteers’ pressure.

Challenging Auburn’s Depth

Tennessee’s defensive approach also forced Auburn to lean on its bench more heavily. With the game turning into a physical, grind-it-out battle, Auburn had to rely on the depth of their roster to stay competitive. Players like Allen Flanigan and Wendell Green Jr. had to step up and take on bigger roles, while others had to provide defensive intensity and hustle plays.

This depth, however, was tested by Tennessee’s relentless defensive pressure. Auburn’s usual offensive flow was disrupted, and they found themselves in constant battles for positioning, whether on offense or defense. While Broome’s return was the focal point, Tennessee made sure that every Auburn player felt the pressure of their physical style.

The Impact of Tennessee’s Strategy on the Game

In the end, Tennessee’s strategy worked to perfection. By making Broome fight for every possession, by elbowing their way into Auburn’s offensive flow, and by dictating the tempo of the game with their defense, Tennessee was able to limit Auburn’s effectiveness. Broome, while still a valuable contributor, was never able to fully assert himself, and Auburn struggled to find consistent offensive production.

Tennessee’s win was a testament to their ability to execute their defensive game plan and impose their will on a talented Auburn squad. The Volunteers’ physicality was too much for the Tigers to overcome, and it helped them secure the victory in what became a grind-it-out battle. Tennessee’s performance showed why they are one of the toughest defensive teams in the country and proved that their strategy of making opponents “fight and elbow” can be a game-changing approach.