Bruce Pearl’s Auburn Tigers have made a dramatic shift this season. After last year’s dominant run, where 26 of their 27 wins were by double digits, the number 1 team in the country has found their mojo in close games. They boast a 6-1 record in games decided by 10 points or fewer.

Despite these impressive records, and even after the 53-51 win over Tennessee, analysts were quick to catch a flaw. Rob Dauster and Jeff Goodman in their podcast The Field Of 68: After Dark talked about the performance of Broome in his comeback game against the sixth seed Tennessee.

In the podcast, Jeff says, “Johni Broome was rusty. You could see it, right? He played hard, but he missed a lot of bunnies that he normally made.” Broome went 1-of-3 from the three while shooting a mere 36.8% from the field, showing a bit of rustiness that he needs to shake off and get his shooting going in the upcoming games.

Rob Dauster pointed out that while Broome was crucial in the Tigers’ win, he looked visibly fatigued after playing well beyond the 20-minute limit he was initially supposed to. “You could see him limping on in the second half. We were told coming into this game they wanted it (his playtime) in the 20-minute range,” he noted.

Broome ultimately went on to play 33 minutes in the game and it’s no surprise that fatigue set in by the second half. Despite his rustiness, Johni got a double-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists—a true testament to his talent and relentless drive.

Dec 4, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) controls the ball in front of Auburn Tigers center Johni Broome (4) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn ImagesCoach Pearl, for his part, has been quick to point out how the team has grown under pressure, with clutch performances against tough foes like Tennessee and South Carolina. “Well, I mean, we’ve won some close games now, and so I think we can learn, you know, something from them. I know we can play better,” he said.

With Johni Broome back in action, things are looking incredibly promising for Bruce Pearl and his Tigers. Sure, they’re already sitting pretty at No. 1, but for Auburn, it’s about more than just topping the rankings. It’s about making history. Auburn is aiming for its first-ever NCAA tournament title. And with their star player back, a deep run seems more than possible.

Let’s take a look at who they face next.

What’s next for Bruce Pearl and his team?

The Tigers are dominating the Southeastern Conference, the deepest conference in the country. Bruce Pearl’s side currently sits comfortably at the top with a flawless 6-0 SEC record and an impressive 18-1 overall record. Their only loss this season came against Duke and we all know the rivalry between Duke’s superstar Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome for the Naismith Player of the Year award.

Next up, the Auburn Tigers are headed to Baton Rouge to face off against the LSU Tigers at the iconic Pete Maravich Assembly Center. With ESPN giving Auburn an 83% chance to come away with the win, the pressure is on for Bruce Pearl’s squad to keep their momentum rolling. With their star forward re-establishing his form, Pearl will be looking to ride the wave of his return and extend their winning streak.

Analysts and reports agree that Johni Broome’s return, despite some rust, adds a crucial edge to Auburn’s title hopes. With LSU next on the list, the Tigers will aim to solidify their dominance and extend their winning streak in pursuit of that elusive first title! Stay tuned for more updates.