AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn managed to secure a nail-biting 53-51 victory over No. 6 Tennessee, thanks in part to Miles Kelly, who sank a pivotal 3-pointer with just 30 seconds left in the game. Johni Broome made a significant impact in his return, contributing 16 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, which helped the top-ranked Tigers extend their impressive winning streak to 11 games on Saturday night.
The game marked a testing ground for Auburn (18-1, 6-0 SEC), as they faced their lowest scoring output of the season, largely due to Tennessee’s tenacious defense. Kelly’s timely 3-pointer, assisted by Broome, turned around a critical two-point deficit, allowing Auburn to take a slender lead.
In the closing moments, Tennessee had an opportunity to reclaim the lead; however, Zakai Zeigler missed a crucial 3-point attempt, sealing their fate. Broome, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound veteran who was named a preseason Associated Press All-American, made an impactful return after recovering from a significant ankle sprain suffered two weeks prior during a game against South Carolina. His rebounding skills proved essential, particularly on Tennessee’s last two possessions.
For the Volunteers (17-3, 4-3), Zeigler stood out with 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Chaz Lanier contributed 10 points, including two pivotal 3-pointers that kept his team competitive in the game’s final moments. Both teams experienced shooting difficulties, with each finishing below 32% from the field during this physical contest.
Tennessee has encountered challenges in their shooting during road games within the SEC, resulting in their third loss away from home. In contrast, Broome’s performance underscored his crucial role in the Tigers’ offense, even as he continues to recover.
A key moment in the game was undoubtedly Kelly’s 3-pointer, which, alongside Broome’s defensive rebounds, enabled Auburn to maintain its status as the only unbeaten team in SEC competition. Another crucial statistic was Auburn’s ability to outrebound Tennessee 41-37, aided significantly by Broome’s presence on the court.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will host No. 9 Kentucky on Tuesday, while Auburn will head to LSU on Wednesday for their next matchup.
