By SAM LANCE
Auburn star big man and SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome went to the locker room during the Tigers’ Elite Eight game against Michigan State. Broome awkwardly fell to the floor with after trying to block a shot, leaving the game with 10:33 remaining and Auburn up 50-40.
Broome’s mother came down from the stands to check on him before he headed off to the locker room. Tracy Wolfson gave this report on the CBS broadcast shortly before Broome returned to the game: “Bruce Pearl asked Johni as he was walking off the court if he was okay, and he looked at him and said ‘no.’ He told his teammates to finish the game. His parents were very emotional as they entered the locker room. That’s where they are right now. We were told they are still evaluating him. The biggest concern is the elbow injury. We’re told there is a slight chance he could still return.” Broome eventually made his way back to the court and checked into the game. It was a great sign for Auburn fans. “I was told he went in for X-rays,” Wolfson said after his return. “Those X-rays were negative.” Broome made a 3-pointer to give him 25 points shortly after checking in. He finished the game with 25 points, 14 rebounds and two assists to help Auburn become the fourth No. 1 seed to make the Final Four. It’s the second Final Four ever with all four No. 1 seeds and the first since 2008. During the postgame interview, Broome said he’ll be good to go next week and gave all glory to God for his ability to return against Michigan State. Follow Sam Lance on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookJohni Broome is down in noticeable pain pic.twitter.com/fLVg6m91ok
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 30, 2025
