COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a tense match on Saturday, No. 2 Auburn faced South Carolina, where standout player Johni Broome sustained a “significant sprain” to his left ankle. Following the game, Tigers coach Bruce Pearl indicated that Broome, who is the team’s leading scorer, will undergo an MRI to assess the severity of the injury.

Broome, measuring 6 feet 10 inches and weighing 240 pounds, is a fifth-year senior and a preseason Associated Press All-American. He has emerged as a strong candidate for the national player of the year title. The injury occurred during the second half when he attempted to secure a rebound and inadvertently landed on a South Carolina player’s foot, causing his ankle to roll. After the incident, he struggled to stand and consequently needed assistance from two trainers to make his way to the locker room.

“He’s got a significant sprain,” Pearl reported. “Once we return to Auburn tonight, we’ll arrange for him to have an MRI to check if there are any other underlying issues.”

Before his exit from the game with 13 minutes left, Broome had tallied six points and three rebounds in 24 minutes of action. Notably, he had been averaging over 18 points and leading the SEC with 11.2 rebounds prior to the injury. Pearl acknowledged the challenges posed by Broome’s absence, stating, “Without our player of the year, it’s going to be hard to find offense down there. Johni’s unstoppable.” The Tigers improved to 3-0 in the SEC and 15-1 overall during the match.

Dylan Cardwell played a pivotal role in the game, scoring a crucial dunk that helped to secure the win over South Carolina. Pearl highlighted Cardwell as one of the athletes who will need to step up in Broome’s absence. Other players that might fill the gap include Chaney Johnson, Chris Moore, and Ja’Heim Hudson.