Ad Disclosure
Auburn holds off Michigan State to advance to Final Four for 2nd time in program history
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Auburn is going back to the Final Four. The No. 1 seed Tigers held off 2-seed Michigan State for a 70-64 victory, winning an Elite 8 game for the second time in program history.
Johni Broome is Auburn‘s leader, and he was the lead story on Sunday afternoon in Atlanta. Broome turned in another 1st half double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, helping set the tone for a Tigers team that led by as many as 15 points during a 17-0 run.
Broome is the lead story for another reason. The college basketball world looked on with concern as Broome injured his ankle and elbow in the 2nd half. The elbow injury appeared serious, and Broome was even observed saying, “I’m done,” per the CBS broadcast.
He was not done, however. After subbing out at the 10:37 mark, Broome made a surprise return at the 5:29 mark. He not only played, but grabbed multiple rebounds and drained a 3-pointer to secure the win.
Bruce Pearl needed Broome on the floor because Tom Izzo’s Michigan State team would not go away. The Spartans fought until the final seconds in Atlanta.
MSU had 3 players in double figures, led by Jaxon Kohler with 17 points, including 11 in the 2nd half. Jaden Akins scored 13 of his 15 points in the 2nd half, as well. Jase Richardson scored during the contest.
Broome, though, was too much for the Spartans. He finished as the game’s high scorer with 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field, including a pair of 3-pointers. Broome had 14 rebounds in the game. Of Auburn’s 7 scorers, Tahaad Pettiford was the only other Tiger in double figures, scoring 10 on the day with a pair of 3-pointers.
Auburn shot 43% (26-of-61) from the field to Michigan State’s 34% (22-of-64). Each team only had 7 of its 3-point attempts, while Auburn trying 25 and MSU 23. The Tigers were just 11-of-20 at the free throw line, helping MSU hang around as the Spartans were 13-of-16. The teams were relatively even on rebounding (41-39 MSU), second-chance points (11-9, AU) and points in the paint (34-30, AU).
Auburn moves on to the Final Four to face a familiar foe out of the SEC. The Tigers will play West Regional champion Florida for a spot in the national championship game.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
