Johni Broome plays hero in Auburn’s Elite Eight win, draining 3-pointer after injury
Johni Broome Plays Hero in Auburn’s Elite Eight Win, Draining 3-Pointer After Injury
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has been full of high drama, shocking upsets, and unbelievable performances, but few moments have captured the essence of March Madness more than Johni Broome’s heroic performance in Auburn’s Elite Eight matchup. With Auburn’s dream of a Final Four appearance on the line, Broome—who had been battling through pain after sustaining an injury earlier in the game—became the unlikely hero, draining a clutch 3-pointer in the final moments to secure the Tigers’ thrilling victory.
This was a moment that will go down in Auburn basketball lore, not only because of Broome’s game-winning shot, but because of the resilience, grit, and unwavering determination he showed in the face of adversity. The win was a culmination of a season where Auburn, often flying under the radar, had become one of the most dangerous teams in the nation. But this game, and Broome’s role in it, was a defining moment that cemented their status as true national title contenders.
The Stage Is Set: Auburn vs. Tennessee
In the lead-up to the Elite Eight, the Auburn Tigers had already made a huge statement. After knocking off top-tier teams like Baylor and Kansas, the Tigers had proven they were a force to be reckoned with. But to secure a spot in the Final Four, Auburn would have to defeat an SEC rival—the Tennessee Volunteers—a team that had been one of the top-ranked teams in the nation all season.
The tension was palpable from the opening tip. Both teams were familiar with each other’s style, having faced off multiple times during the regular season, but the stakes had never been higher. The Volunteers, led by an experienced core of upperclassmen, were ready for a battle. Auburn, on the other hand, had the youthful energy and firepower of a team that was hungry to prove itself on the national stage. It was clear that this was going to be a game for the ages.
The first half of the game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the period. Auburn’s defense, which had been one of the keys to their tournament run, was up to the challenge. Players like Wendell Green Jr. and Allen Flanigan were making things difficult for Tennessee’s offense, while on the offensive end, K.D. Johnson’s fearless play and Broome’s interior presence helped keep Auburn within striking distance.
Broome, the 6’10” sophomore forward, had been one of the breakout stars for Auburn all season. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor had made him a crucial part of the team’s success. Throughout the first half, Broome had shown flashes of brilliance, making key rebounds and scoring inside, but things would take a dramatic turn as the game entered the second half.
The Injury That Could Have Ended It All
As the second half wore on, Auburn was in a back-and-forth battle with Tennessee. With each possession, the intensity mounted. Midway through the half, Broome found himself battling for position in the paint when disaster struck. In the midst of a scramble for the ball, Broome took an awkward fall, landing hard on his right leg. Immediately, he clutched his knee and winced in pain.
The Auburn bench went silent as Broome was helped off the court. Fans in the stands held their breath, unsure of the severity of the injury. For a moment, it seemed as though Auburn’s Final Four hopes might be dashed, as Broome had been one of the team’s most consistent and impactful players all tournament. Without him, the Tigers would be without their most dynamic player at a crucial moment in the game.
The Auburn training staff worked quickly to assess Broome’s injury. There was concern that he might have twisted or sprained his knee, which could keep him sidelined for the remainder of the game. Broome’s heart and mind, however, were focused on one thing—getting back into the game.
“I wasn’t going to let this team down,” Broome later said in an interview. “I knew I had to get back out there. I knew the guys needed me.”
After a few minutes of treatment, Broome returned to the court, though he was clearly not 100%. His right leg was heavily taped, and he appeared to be limping slightly as he moved around the floor. But for Auburn fans, the sight of Broome back on the court was a sign of hope. The Tigers had rallied around their injured star, and the game was far from over.
The Clutch Shot: Broome’s Moment in the Spotlight
With just over a minute left in regulation, the Tigers found themselves trailing Tennessee by three points. The game had reached its peak intensity, with both teams playing their hearts out. Auburn had fought valiantly, but it seemed as though Tennessee’s veteran players were going to edge them out. That’s when Broome, despite his injury, stepped up in the biggest moment of his life.
Auburn had possession with 40 seconds remaining. Green Jr. brought the ball up the court, and the Tigers worked the ball around to find the best shot available. Broome, despite his limp, had been left open on the perimeter—an unusual sight for Tennessee’s defense, which had keyed in on him throughout the game. Broome, a player who had made his mark as a versatile forward with the ability to score inside, had not taken many outside shots during the tournament. But with the game on the line, he wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity.
Green Jr. saw Broome on the wing and delivered a perfectly timed pass. Broome caught the ball, his eyes scanning the defense, and without hesitation, he squared up to the basket and launched a three-pointer. The ball sailed through the air, a perfect arc, as the clock ticked down. For a moment, everything seemed to move in slow motion.
As the ball neared the rim, the roar of the crowd began to rise. The Auburn faithful held their collective breath.
Swish.
The ball went in.
The Auburn bench erupted in celebration, and the crowd went wild as Broome fell to his knees in sheer elation. His teammates rushed to him, lifting him into the air as the buzzer sounded. The Tigers had pulled off an improbable comeback, winning 71-68, and Broome’s clutch three-pointer had sealed the victory.
The celebration was a testament to the toughness and resilience of this Auburn team. Broome, despite his injury, had not only stepped up to the challenge but had become the hero his team—and his fans—had needed in the most critical moment of the game.
A Hero’s Journey: Broome’s Impact on Auburn
Broome’s game-winning shot was a culmination of his evolution as a player throughout the season. When he first arrived at Auburn, he was seen as a promising prospect, but few could have predicted the level of impact he would have on the team. His ability to stretch the floor, combined with his incredible rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, made him one of the most versatile forwards in college basketball.
But it was his growth as a leader that truly stood out. Throughout the tournament, Broome had stepped up when his team needed him the most. In the earlier rounds, he had been a defensive stalwart, a reliable rebounder, and a calming presence on offense. But in the Elite Eight, he became the symbol of Auburn’s resilience and never-say-die attitude.
His teammates were quick to praise Broome’s leadership following the game.
“Johni is one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around,” said Wendell Green Jr., who had played a key role in orchestrating the offense. “He had every reason to sit out after that injury, but he fought through it, and that’s what makes him special. He’s our leader, and he showed that today.”
For head coach Bruce Pearl, Broome’s clutch shot was a microcosm of the team’s entire journey through the tournament.
“Johni embodies what Auburn basketball is all about—heart, grit, and determination,” Pearl said. “He wasn’t going to let us lose this game. He’s been huge for us all year, and today, he showed what kind of player he is when the lights are the brightest.”
Looking Ahead: Auburn’s Final Four Dreams
With the victory over Tennessee, Auburn advanced to its first Final Four appearance in over two decades, a historic milestone for the program. The Tigers had proven that they were capable of competing with the best teams in the country, and now they would have the chance to take the next step toward a national championship.
As for Johni Broome, his clutch performance in the Elite Eight only solidified his place in Auburn basketball history. His heroic shot will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in the program’s storied history.
But for Broome, the job isn’t done. He knows that Auburn’s journey is far from over.
“We’ve got more work to do,” Broome said after the game. “This is a great win, but we’re not satisfied. We’ve got our eyes set on the ultimate prize, and we’re going to keep fighting until we get there.”
As Auburn prepares for its Final Four matchup, Broome’s performance in the Elite Eight has given the team the confidence and belief that they can achieve greatness. And for Auburn fans, there’s no doubt that Johni Broome is the hero of this incredible ride to the top.
