In a thrilling matchup during the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament held in Atlanta, Auburn secured their place in the Final Four by defeating Michigan State 70-64. Star forward Johni Broome played a pivotal role, scoring 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, despite nursing an injured right arm throughout the postgame festivities. His determination was evident when he climbed a ladder to cut down the net, wearing the trophy around his neck as a symbol of victory.
Auburn (32-5), the top overall seed in the tournament and champion of the South Region, put on an impressive display by dominating with a 17-0 run in the first half. This decisive stretch helped the Tigers pull away from Michigan State (30-7), who fell short in their quest to send coach Tom Izzo to his ninth national semifinal. Bruce Pearl, head coach of Auburn, praised Broome for his ability to perform during critical moments of the game.
The victory marks Auburn's second trip to the Final Four, following their initial appearance in 2019. They will face Florida in a semifinal game, after Florida secured an 84-79 victory over Texas Tech in the West Region final. This matchup sets up an all-Southeastern Conference (SEC) battle, with Pearl acknowledging that only one SEC team can compete for the national championship.
Broome's resilience was highlighted when, after falling on his right arm while trying to block a shot, he temporarily left the game. However, he returned to the court with a sense of urgency, receiving a warm ovation from Auburn fans. Following a thorough examination by team doctors, it was confirmed that his injury was not severe. Broome significantly impacted the game, going 10-for-13 from the floor, including two 3-pointers, affirming his status as the Associated Press SEC Player of the Year and a first-team All-American.
Michigan State was led by Jaxon Kohler, who contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaden Akins added 15 points. Despite a brief resurgence in the second half, the Spartans struggled to recover from the Tigers' explosive scoring run. They were held scoreless for nearly six minutes during Auburn's surge, leading to a demanding deficit that Michigan State could not overcome. Coach Izzo recognized the efforts of his squad despite the defeat, expressing pride in their connectivity and camaraderie throughout the tournament.
This victory is notable as it marks the first time all No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four since 2008. The performance of the selection committee has been praised, as higher-seeded teams went 12-0 in regional semifinals and finals—a record since the tournament's expansion in 1985. This accomplishment highlights Auburn's strong performance throughout the tournament, as they were the only Elite Eight team to win all of their initial round games by double digits, including a significant victory over Michigan in the Sweet 16.
In conclusion, Auburn's triumph over Michigan State emphasized their strength and determination as they advance to the Final Four, setting the stage for a compelling continuation of the tournament. The combination of Broome's individual talent, the team's cohesive efforts, and the significance of this victory for both the players and coaching staff underlines the passionate spirit of March Madness.
