10 months ago

Johni Broome’s Double-Double Powers No. 2 Auburn Past No. 16 Purdue, 87-69 🏀🔥
AUBURN, AL – Johni Broome made a triumphant return from a shoulder injury, delivering a dominant performance with 23 points and 11 rebounds, as No. 2 Auburn cruised to an 87-69 victory over No. 16 Purdue on Saturday. The Tigers (11-1) showcased their depth and energy, overpowering the Boilermakers (8-4) in a game that was never in doubt after the first half.

Key Performances
Johni Broome (Auburn): Returned with a bang, scoring 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting, grabbing 11 rebounds, and energizing the home crowd with a 3-pointer early in the game.
Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn): Added 18 points and 5 assists, providing critical scoring and playmaking down the stretch.
Denver Jones (Auburn): Contributed 15 points, hitting key shots to keep Auburn in control.
C.J. Cox (Purdue): Led the Boilermakers with 16 points, shooting 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue): Scored 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds but struggled at the free-throw line, going 1-for-7.
Game Highlights
First Half:
After Purdue tied the game at 15-all, Auburn seized control with a dominating run, building an 18-point lead and heading into halftime up 41-26. Broome and Pettiford led the charge with a combined 15 points during this stretch.

Second Half:
The Tigers extended their lead to as much as 33 points with seven minutes left, thanks to a balanced offensive attack and relentless defense. While Purdue fought back late, cutting into the deficit, Auburn’s lead was never in jeopardy.

Key Stats
Auburn: Shot 38.5% (10-for-26) from beyond the arc and 49.3% overall, showcasing their offensive versatility.
Purdue: Struggled from the free-throw line, going just 10-for-18, with Kaufman-Renn accounting for most of the misses.
Turnovers: Purdue committed 13 turnovers, with Auburn capitalizing to maintain momentum.
Takeaways
Auburn Dominance: The Tigers secured their fourth win over a ranked nonconference opponent this season, matching a program record and solidifying their position as a national powerhouse.
Purdue’s Struggles: The Boilermakers dropped to 2-2 against ranked SEC teams this season and couldn’t overcome their poor shooting stretches in a hostile environment.
What’s Next?
Purdue: Hosts Tulane on December 29.
Auburn: Returns home to face Monmouth on December 30.
#WarEagle 🐯🔥 #AuburnHoops 🏀✨ #BoilerUp 🚂🏀 #CollegeBasketball