ATLANTA — It’s been a season to remember for Auburn. The Tigers captured a tournament title at the historic Maui Invitational and won the SEC’s toughest regular season to date with a program record 15 conference wins.
Bruce Pearl’s squad was ranked No. 1 longer than any other – eight-straight weeks – in the AP poll and saw Johni Broome become a national player of the year finalist.
But while every regular season accomplishment matters, and the banners fly forever, in the sport of college basketball you’re ultimately remembered for what you do in March.
For the nation’s best team all season long with college basketball’s best player, the six month journey will end in the sport’s promised land: the Final Four.
"I guess the first thought is there are four teams in the country that are left, and Auburn is one of them. So we couldn't be happier," Pearl said.
The scene of Sunday evenings’ Elite Eight contest inside of State Farm Arena were the culmination of Pearl’s 11 seasons at Auburn as a packed house of almost all Tiger fans cheered on as Auburn clinched its second ever berth to the Final Four.
"Last thing is just grateful for our fans and our families because Auburn looked -- we are a football school. We are. Don't ever forget that. We're a football school. We are. But we're also an everything school. We're an everything school. Our fans represented really well here in Atlanta," Pearl said.
The Tigers’ superstar Johni Broome led the way in the 70-64 victory over Michigan State putting together a 25 point performance, 17 of which came in the first half, shot 10-for-13 and recorded 14 rebounds in 29 minutes of play.
It’s his 19th game this season scoring 20-or-more points.
"Johni Broome stepped up again. Just keep doubting him, and keep thinking that he's not going to be able to get to another gear. One of the reasons why I'm on him and my son Steven's on him pretty good is because I know what he's capable of, I know what he's capable of," Pearl said. "You talk about delivering again at the biggest moments."
Six days from now the top-seeded Tigers will face a familiar foe in former Auburn assistant turned Florida head coach Todd Golden in the Alamo Dome for a spot in the national championship game.
The Gators won the regular season top-10 matchup inside of Neville Arena 90-81 with SEC first-team member Walter Clayton Jr. recording 19 points against the top-ranked Tigers.
The SEC’s two remaining tournament teams will tipoff on CBS at 5:09 EST on Saturday, April 5.
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.
Patrick is a junior from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2022.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @patrickabingham
