By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-31 00:56:21 | Updated at 2025-04-01 19:57:52
1 day ago
Heart-wrenching scenes played out in the stands of State Farm Arena Sunday evening when Auburn star Johni Broome exited the NCAA Tournament game.
Broome, the top-seeded Tigers' leading scorer and rebounder and an Associated Press All-American, suffered an injury in the Elite Eight matchup against Michigan State.
The 22-year-old went up high attempting to block a drive to the basket by Michigan State's Frankie Fidler.
Fidler missed the shot, and Broome's elbow bent at an ugly angle when he put down his right hand trying to brace his fall.
Broome stayed on the court, holding his elbow, while a Spartans trainer signaled for the Auburn staff to check on the player.
While medical staff tended to the star, the cameras panned to the stand where they caught Broom's mom, Julie, in floods of tears as she anxiously watched her son in pain.
Auburn star Johni Broome exited Sunday's March Madness game with an elbow injury
Julie and Broome's father, John, then made their way down to court level to check on their son as he made his way off the court.
Broome untucked his shirt and appeared to say 'I'm done' as he was escorted to the locker room with 10:37 left in the second half and the Tigers leading 50-40.
However, he returned with 5:29 remaining, drawing an immediate ovation from Auburn fans. He had the elbow wrapped and sank a 3-pointer less than a minute later.
'It was a scary moment,' Broome said. 'I went down but my team had my back.'
The Tigers went on to seal a 70-64 to punch their ticket to the Final Four with Broome registering 25 points and 14 rebounds.
Auburn was the only Elite Eight team to win each of its first three March Madness games by double digits, including its 78-65 Sweet 16 victory over Michigan. Michigan State rallied for a 73-70 win over Mississippi in the Sweet 16.
