Johni Broome has been one of the central characters of the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season.
The senior forward, who began his career at Morehead State, has been the best player on an Auburn team that spent much of the season ranked No. 1 in the major national polls. Over the past several months, he has racked up double-double after double-double, displaying deft post moves, a soft touch around the basket and an uncanny ability to come down with the ball whenever the opposing team misses a shot.
Because of that output, Broome has been part of one of the most intense national player of the year debates in modern men’s college basketball history, with fans going back and forth over the merits of him against Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg.
On Sunday, he had the opportunity to add another achievement to an already lengthy resume — leading the Tigers to just the second Final Four in program history.
Here’s a look at how Broome fared in Auburn’s Elite Eight game on Sunday against Michigan State:
Johni Broome points today
In his team’s 70-64 victory against Michigan State, Broome finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal.
He wasn’t just productive, but wildly efficient, as well, making 10 of his 13 field-goal attempts, including both of his 3-pointers.
His performance wasn’t without some drama and uncertainty.
Broome left the game briefly in the second half after falling down awkwardly on a defensive possession. He was wincing and grabbing his elbow before walking off the court gingerly and being taken back to the team’s locker room for further examination. Replays showed Broome bracing himself in an uncomfortable position as he fell to the court. His ankle also twisted at an awkward angle.
He ultimately returned, though, to help his team put the game away while earning a loud ovation from the heavily pro-Auburn crowd at State Farm Arena in Atlanta when he checked back into the contest.
THAT'S JOHNI BROOME'S MUSIC 🎶#MarchMadness@AuburnMBBpic.twitter.com/FbHruAgSLG
— NCAA March Madness ...
