Johni Broome Leads No. 1 Auburn Past LSU with Dominant Performance
AUBURN, Ala. – Johni Broome delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 26 points and grabbing 16 rebounds to propel No. 1 Auburn to an 87-74 victory over LSU on Tuesday night. The Tigers maintained their top-ranking status with an impressive all-around effort, extending their winning streak and solidifying their position as one of the premier teams in college basketball.
Broome’s Dominance in the Paint
From the opening tip, Broome set the tone for Auburn, asserting his presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. His ability to score efficiently, control the boards, and anchor the defense proved too much for LSU to handle. Broome shot 11-for-17 from the field, displaying a mix of power moves, put-backs, and mid-range jumpers. His dominance on the glass ensured that Auburn controlled second-chance opportunities and limited LSU’s effectiveness in transition.
“I just wanted to come out aggressive and set the tone early,” Broome said after the game. “My teammates did a great job getting me the ball in the right spots, and I just tried to make the most of my opportunities.”
Auburn’s Offensive Firepower
While Broome was the focal point, Auburn’s offensive balance played a crucial role in securing the victory. Guard Wendell Green Jr. contributed 18 points and seven assists, orchestrating the offense with precision and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Jaylin Williams added 15 points, knocking down key three-pointers that kept LSU at bay whenever they threatened to make a run.
As a team, Auburn shot 49% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc, consistently finding ways to break down LSU’s defense. Their ball movement and spacing made it difficult for LSU to key in on any single player, forcing them to pick their poison against Auburn’s deep rotation.
LSU’s Resilience Falls Short
Despite the loss, LSU showed resilience throughout the game, led by their standout guard Jalen Cook, who scored 22 points and dished out six assists. Cook’s ability to penetrate and score in traffic kept LSU within striking distance for most of the night. Forward KJ Williams chipped in with 16 points and eight rebounds, but LSU struggled to match Auburn’s energy and depth.
Turnovers proved to be costly for LSU, as they committed 15 giveaways that led to 21 points for Auburn. Their defensive lapses also allowed Auburn to control the pace of the game, preventing any sustained momentum shifts in LSU’s favor.
Auburn’s Defensive Tenacity
On the defensive end, Auburn’s intensity was evident from start to finish. Broome anchored the paint with three blocks, altering countless other shots and forcing LSU to settle for tough jumpers. The perimeter defense, led by Allen Flanigan and K.D. Johnson, pressured LSU’s ball handlers into tough decisions, disrupting their offensive rhythm.
“Defense is something we take pride in,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “Johni (Broome) was fantastic inside, and our guards did a great job pressuring their shooters. That’s the kind of effort we need every night to compete at the highest level.”
