Men’s basketball AP poll: Auburn defeats Tennessee to maintain its top ranking thanks to Johni Broome’s comeback

In college basketball, the journey to maintain a No. 1 ranking is a delicate balance of consistency, resilience, and moments of individual brilliance. For Auburn, this challenge was on full display when they faced off against Tennessee in an SEC showdown that not only tested their skills but also solidified their place at the top of the AP Poll. With a thrilling 70-64 win over Tennessee, the Tigers managed to hold on to their top spot in the rankings, thanks in large part to a memorable comeback performance from Johni Broome.

The victory was a statement for Auburn—one that highlighted their depth, their tenacity, and the leadership from both the coaching staff and their star players. Broome, Auburn’s standout guard, was the clear hero of the evening, delivering a clutch performance that helped the Tigers overcome a double-digit deficit and secure a crucial win that would keep them atop the college basketball landscape. Let’s break down how Auburn’s performance, particularly Broome’s second-half resurgence, sealed the deal against a Tennessee team that refused to back down.

A Strong Start for Tennessee: Auburn Faces Early Struggles

From the opening tip, it was clear that Tennessee wasn’t going to let Auburn cruise to another victory. The Volunteers came out aggressive, using their defense to stifle Auburn’s offensive flow. Tennessee’s defense has always been one of the most highly regarded in the nation, and they showed it early by forcing Auburn into difficult shots and turnovers. Auburn struggled to find rhythm, and Tennessee capitalized on the Tigers’ mistakes, jumping out to a solid 10-point lead midway through the first half.

Josiah-Jordan James and Santiago Vescovi, two of Tennessee’s most potent offensive players, were hitting shots from beyond the arc, stretching Auburn’s defense and creating openings for their teammates. Tennessee’s ability to hit timely threes and control the tempo in the first half had Auburn on the ropes. The Tigers, who had been known for their high-powered offense and stifling defense, found themselves unable to execute their usual game plan.

Auburn’s defense, which had been a key to their success all season, was caught off guard by Tennessee’s sharp shooting. Jabari Smith, Auburn’s star forward, was struggling to find his rhythm offensively, and it seemed like the Tigers were pressing too much to make up for lost ground. With Walker Kessler in foul trouble, Auburn’s interior defense also suffered, allowing Tennessee to dominate the paint. At halftime, Auburn was facing a 35-26 deficit, leaving them with a significant mountain to climb in the second half.

Johni Broome’s Comeback: The Spark Auburn Needed

The second half started with the same intensity, but it quickly became clear that Auburn wasn’t going to let this game slip away so easily. The difference-maker for Auburn in this critical moment was Johni Broome, who had been relatively quiet in the first half but took control when his team needed him most.

Broome, a key transfer for Auburn who had been making an impact all season, began to find his offensive rhythm. His ability to attack the basket, coupled with his exceptional vision and passing, gave Auburn the lift they desperately needed. Broome scored 10 of his 17 points in the second half, including several crucial buckets that helped the Tigers reduce the deficit. His relentless attacking mindset caused problems for Tennessee’s defense, and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates sparked a run that slowly erased the gap on the scoreboard.

Broome’s presence was felt most when Auburn began chipping away at Tennessee’s lead. He hit timely jump shots, converted on fast breaks, and even contributed defensively by forcing turnovers. His playmaking ability in the second half was critical in shifting the momentum. He helped facilitate Auburn’s offense, and his passing accuracy allowed the Tigers to execute their plays more efficiently.

In a sequence that highlighted Broome’s clutch play, he made a steal that turned into a fast-break layup to cut Tennessee’s lead to just five points. This was the kind of hustle and determination that Pearl’s Tigers thrive on, and it energized the entire Auburn team. With Broome leading the charge, Auburn’s offense started to click. The Tigers went on a 14-4 run midway through the second half, taking their first lead of the game at 52-51 with just over seven minutes remaining.

The Defensive Turnaround: Auburn Locks Down Tennessee

As much as Broome’s offensive explosion shifted the momentum in Auburn’s favor, it was the Tigers’ defense that allowed them to finish the game strong. Auburn’s defensive intensity improved drastically after halftime, which disrupted Tennessee’s offensive flow. The Volunteers, who had been efficient in the first half, struggled to get quality looks in the second half as Auburn’s defense adjusted.

Walker Kessler, Auburn’s dominant shot-blocker, played a pivotal role in the defensive turnaround. After getting into foul trouble early on, Kessler returned to the court with renewed focus. His presence in the paint was a game-changer, as he recorded several key blocks that prevented Tennessee from scoring easy baskets. Kessler’s ability to alter shots forced Tennessee to settle for contested jump shots, which, in turn, allowed Auburn to get out in transition.

Auburn’s perimeter defense also tightened up. Zep Jasper and Wendell Green Jr., both excellent defenders, hounded Tennessee’s shooters and forced them into difficult situations. By applying pressure on the ball and getting in passing lanes, Auburn was able to stifle Tennessee’s offense, limiting them to just 29 points in the second half. The Gators, who had been efficient at shooting from deep in the first half, couldn’t replicate their success after Auburn adjusted its defensive strategy.

As the game progressed, it was clear that Tennessee was struggling to find any answer to Auburn’s defense. Their scoring droughts allowed the Tigers to build a five-point lead with just three minutes left, and Auburn’s defense continued to clamp down, forcing missed shots and grabbing key rebounds.

The Closing Moments: Auburn’s Free Throws and Game Management

As the game entered the final minutes, the lead Auburn had built was fragile. Tennessee, knowing they were running out of time, began to foul in an attempt to extend the game. However, Auburn remained composed down the stretch, hitting their free throws when it mattered most. Broome, in particular, delivered from the charity stripe, converting several crucial free throws to maintain Auburn’s lead and push Tennessee further out of reach.

Auburn finished the game with a solid performance from the free-throw line, converting 18 of 22 attempts, a mark that helped seal their victory. Tennessee, on the other hand, struggled to generate offense in the final minutes, failing to get enough stops and ultimately falling short.

As the clock hit zero, Auburn emerged victorious, 70-64, securing another important win that would ensure they maintained their top spot in the AP Poll.

Broome’s Impact: The Player of the Game

Johni Broome’s performance in the second half was the key to Auburn’s victory. He finished the game with 17 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds, but his leadership and clutch moments were what truly set him apart. Broome’s ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver when the game was on the line showed why he is one of the most valuable players on the roster.

Broome’s second-half resurgence not only kept Auburn in the game but also provided the spark they needed to flip the script and seize control of the contest. His leadership on both ends of the floor, his ability to create offense for others, and his commitment to executing under pressure were all on full display during Auburn’s comeback.

For Auburn to maintain their position at No. 1 in the rankings, performances like Broome’s will be crucial moving forward. His ability to step up in big moments proves that Auburn’s success isn’t reliant on one player—it’s a team effort, but Broome is a player capable of taking over when the team needs him most.

Auburn’s Depth and Balance: A Complete Team Effort

While Broome’s performance was the headline of the night, it was a complete team effort from Auburn that led to the win. The Tigers were able to rely on multiple players to contribute in different ways, from Kessler’s shot-blocking to Green’s leadership at the point guard position.

Jabari Smith, while not having his best offensive game, still managed to contribute to the win with a well-rounded performance, finishing with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. His ability to impact the game in other areas helped Auburn stay in contention during Tennessee’s first-half surge.

Wendell Green Jr. also played a pivotal role in Auburn’s success, running the offense and helping his team maintain their composure during moments of pressure. His 12-point performance, along with his 4 assists, was another critical element in Auburn’s victory.

With Bruce Pearl’s coaching, Auburn has built a deep and balanced roster that can rely on various players to step up when needed. This win over Tennessee was a perfect example of how Auburn’s depth allows them to weather adversity and come out victorious.

Tennessee’s Fight: A Tough Loss but a Learning Experience

For Tennessee, the loss was a hard-fought battle, and despite the defeat, there were still positives to take away. The Volunteers showed they could hang with the nation’s best, especially in the first half when they built a significant lead. Their defense, particularly early on, was suffocating, and they made it difficult for Auburn to find their offensive rhythm. However, their inability to