Veteran forward Johni Broome is having a fantastic start to his senior season, leading Auburn to two consecutive victories and a top five national ranking.
The returning All-American played well in Auburn’s season opener against Vermont, scoring 12 points and recording seven rebounds and two blocks. Going into Friday’s game, Broome was prepared for the challenge Houston posed.
“They’re a very good team,” Broome said. “On the defensive side, they’re going to try to outrebound us and be more physical than us but we gotta be the more exciting team to play. We have to bring the energy and be physical, be ready for a battle.”
Broome had a slow start in the first half against the Cougars, only recording four points, three rebounds, and three blocks despite playing 15 minutes. The starting center struggled more offensively, with his four points coming from layups and all three rebounds coming from the defensive end of the court. He performed well on the defensive end of the court, however, with three defensive rebounds, one steal and three blocks to help contain the Houston offense, keeping the game competitive.
The entire team struggled to find a rhythm throughout the first half and was mainly bolstered by Chaney Johnson’s nine-point performance.
“Stuff happens, but we came and played basketball. So everyone was locked in with each other,” Broome said. “We’re our brother's keeper, so we have a strong family here and we came out here and we won a basketball game.”
Broome was able to find his groove in the second half.
On Auburn’s first possession of the final half, Broome made a hook shot, setting the offensive tone for the rest of the game. Broome continued to produce offensively, ending the second half with 16 points and four offensive rebounds, and the team was able to build of off Broome's offensive momentum.
"They have one of the best defenses in the country, so the coaches drew up a great game plan and we started putting the ball in screens, allowing them to put two on the ball and then taking advantages, disadvantages," Broome said. "We put the ball to Tahaad (Pettiford) and Denver (Jones) and they gave me good looks. I just finished."
Broome also led the defensive effort for the Tigers, putting in two defensive rebounds, two blocks and another steal. He recorded a block in the last minute of the game to seal the Auburn victory.
Broome ended his night with 20 points — coming second only to Tahaad Pettiford’s 21 points — as well as nine rebounds, five blocks and two steals, an integral contribution to Auburn’s five-point victory over Houston.
Broome and the Tigers return to Neville Arena to play Kent State this Wednesday, Nov. 13. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Jackie is a freshman majoring in Drug and Biopharmaceutical Sciences. She started with The Plainsman in fall 2024.
You can follow her on X (Twitter) at @jackie_domingun
