VIDEO: Johni Broome limps off the floor in concerning footage as Auburn beats South Carolina

The No. 2 Auburn Tigers face a challenging road ahead after senior star Johni Broome, the leading candidate for National Player of the Year, exited Saturday's 66-63 win over South Carolina with a left ankle injury.

Broome left the game with just under 14 minutes remaining after appearing to step on teammate Chaney Johnson's foot while defending South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles.

The usually dynamic athlete could only limp off the court after a severe ankle twist, falling to the floor in visible pain. Athletic trainers assisted him to the locker room, and he did not return.

Before his exit, Broome struggled offensively, scoring just six points and grabbing three rebounds on 3-of-11 shooting.

Following the game, coach Bruce Pearl described the injury as a "significant sprain" during the SEC Network broadcast, adding that Broome would undergo further testing once the team returned to Auburn.

Broome’s absence will have a substantial impact on Auburn. The Wooden Award contender has been instrumental for the Tigers, averaging 17.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.7 blocks through 16 games.

To fill the void, coach Bruce Pearl will turn to Chad Baker-Mazara, Tahaad Pettiford, Denver Jones, Chaney Johnson, and Miles Kelly, all of whom are averaging double-digit points.

Additionally, players like Dylan Cardwell, Jahki Howard, Chris Moore, and Ja’Heim Hudson are expected to see increased minutes, especially to bolster the frontcourt.

Auburn fends off South Carolina with gritty win

No. 2 Auburn narrowly triumphed over South Carolina in a tense back-and-forth battle, with Miles Kelly and Tahaad Pettiford leading the charge for the Tigers.

Pettiford rose to the occasion, scoring a team-high 15 points with two rebounds and two assists. He hit two 3-pointers and went 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. His critical moment came when he assisted on Dylan Cardwell's go-ahead dunk and sealed the win with two makes in the charity stripe with just 4.4 seconds left.

Kelly also made a major impact as a starter, playing 34 minutes. He continued his hot shooting from beyond the arc, connecting on four 3-pointers, marking his fifth game with at least four triples. He finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and one assist.

While South Carolina out-rebounded Auburn 37-33 and led in steals 4-3, their struggles from long range, hitting just 4-of-16 three-pointers, hurt them. The Gamecocks have lost their first three SEC games, having previously fallen to No. 17 Mississippi State and No. 5 Alabama. They will aim for their first conference win against Vanderbilt on Wednesday.

Despite the injury to Johni Broome, Auburn is likely to ascend to No. 1 in the AP poll on Monday after top-ranked Tennessee lost by 30 points to No. 4 Florida. The No. 2 Tigers next host Mississippi State on Tuesday.