One of the underrated stories of the college basketball season has been the development of Auburn’s reserve forward Chaney Johnson. This season, he has averaged 9.2 points per game. That is an increase over his 4.7 average from last season. On Sunday, he scored clutch baskets for the Tigers after Johni Broome left the game due to injury. He returned with 4:40 left in the game and hit a big three to give Auburn a 60-48 lead. During his absence, Johnson made the plays the Tigers needed versus Michigan State to get the 70-64 win to send the Tigers to the Final Four.
Broome left the game with 10:37 remaining with an apparent elbow injury. The Tigers held a 50-40 lead at that moment. Auburn looked to extend that lead with their star and leader sidelined. Chaney Johnson came up big with two big baskets. The first was with 8:59 when he connected on a basket to put the Tigers up 52-40. The next was when Michigan State had cut the Auburn lead to 52-44. Johnson scored a basket with 7:12 remaining to give the Tigers a 54-44 lead.
“Credit to Michigan State because they have incredible bigs. They're real physical, and we just had to continue playing tough,” Johnson said after the game. “When Johni went out, my heart dropped, but he came to me and Dylan and was like, you might have to finish for us. We were just like, all right, we've got to lock in and continue being tough because toughness wins in March.”
Johnson scored eight points in the game, but six of those points were after the injury to Broome. All of those points were pivotal for the Tigers as they halted any comeback attempt from the Spartans. It was proof of the hard work done by Johnson, and the improvements he has made this season.
“All glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has blessed me with such a wonderful opportunity, I can't take it for granted,” Johnson said. “That's why I work so hard. I just want to be the best player I can be for my team. That's why I've put in all the hours.”
Sunday was not the first time Johnson had stepped up in the absence of Broome. Early in the season when Broome was injured early against Georgia State, Johnson had his best game statistically of the season. Johnson scored 26 points along with eight rebounds and four assists. While not to the same level opponent as seen in the NCAA Tournament, Johnson has proven to be ready when asked to step in for Broome.
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn's Chaney Johnson stepped up for Johni Broome in March Madness
