"This is why you don't poke the bear": Fans left in awe as Johni Broome, despite injury, leads Auburn in gritty win vs Tennessee

College basketball fans were in awe of Johni Broome's gritty performance against Tennessee. The 6-foot-10 forward recorded a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds, leading the No. 1-ranked Tigers (18-1, 6-0 in SEC) to a 53-51 victory over the No. 6 Volunteers at the Neville Arena on Saturday.

Broome, who also tallied two assists and four blocks, came off the bench and played 33 minutes of hard-nosed basketball, leading the Tigers to a resounding victory against physically imposing Volunteers.

The fifth-year forward was back after missing two weeks due to a significant sprain to his left ankle. He didn't disappoint, holding his own against Tennessee's frontline consisting of Igor Milicic, Felix Okpara, and Cade Phillips.

Fans admired Broome's grit and determination, praising Broome's heart to play in this crucial showdown despite not yet at 100% strength.

"This is why you don’t poke the bear known as Johni Broome," one fan posted on X.

Another college basketball enthusiast suggested handing over the Naismith Player of the Year award to Broome for his stunning play against tier-one opponent Tennessee.

"Btw they should just give Johni Broome the NPOTY right this instant. To put up that performance in that physical of a game against a tier 1 opponent while playing on one ankle? Absurd player," they stated.

"Broome is player of year. That was insane game. The sec is unreal this year," a fan added.

Other fans felt the officiating wasn't great with several missed calls in crucial parts of the encounter.

"Hell of a game at Auburn. Don’t mind Zakai going for the win here. Broome was fantastic. But how in the world did the refs, who were awful down the stretch, miss this blatant Broome walk on the rebound? So bad," one user pointed out.

"Damn we beat two teams tonight! Shoutout to the zebras," another fan spoke out.

"The blown call on the Okpara travel gave you guys the game. The refs literally handed you the win," a college hoops enthusiast replied.

Others hailed Auburn for holding its ground with a March Madness-worthy performance on both ends of the court against SEC rival Tennessee.

"I just love how this team can find different ways to win games. Won a slugfest tonight," a basketball fan wrote.

"Fought until the end. We love this team! 🥹," another user opined.

"Showed the heart of a championship team! Won when you suppose to have lost! #wde 🦅🐅," a fan pointed out.

Broome's feed to Miles Kelly, who subsequently made a 3-pointer with 30 seconds left, gave Auburn a one-point lead with 30 seconds left. Tennessee had a chance to steal the game, but guard Zakai Ziegler missed the mark.

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Auburn extends winning streak to 11 games

Auburn continued to cement their excellent 2024-25 college basketball campaign with an amazing win over Tennessee. It was a close and physical game from the start, but in the end, the Tigers held on to extend their winning streak to 11 games.

Auburn also inflicted Tennessee its third loss in six SEC games after starting the season with 14 straight wins.

Chaney Johnson was the other Tiger in double figures with 10 points, while Tahaad Pettiford added eight. Chad Baker-Mazara contributed seven points, while Miles Kelly finished with six for Auburn, who won despite making 31.0% of their shots from the field.

Zakai Ziegler led Tennessee, who was limited to 31.5% shooting, with 14 points, while Chaz Lanier added 10.

Auburn plunges back to action on Wednesday, visiting LSU at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, while Tennessee takes on Kentucky in a rivalry game on Tuesday at the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville.