Final Four injury update: Is Auburn star Johni Broome playing vs Florida?

It’s been a historic season for the Auburn Tigers, winning the SEC regular season title and advancing to the second Final Four in program history, but the team’s national championship hopes nearly came to an abrupt end in the Elite Eight victory over Michigan State on Sunday. 

First-Team All-American forward Johni Broome went down awkwardly in the second half, seemingly injuring his ankle and his right arm. The senior left the floor and headed to the locker room before returning to finish the game, essentially playing the final minutes with one arm. Despite Broome’s heroic return in Atlanta and big-time second-half three-pointer, his status remained a question mark for the Tigers' SEC rematch with the Florida Gators in the Final Four. 

Auburn hosted Florida, another of four No. 1 seeds to make the Final Four in San Antonio this year, back on February 8. Broome was held in check with 18 points on 8-19 shooting but did grab 11 rebounds and dish out six assists in a 90-81 loss. 

If Bruce Pearl’s team wants to avenge that loss to his former assistant Todd Golden on Saturday night at the Alamodome, Broome will likely need to have a more efficient performance. To do that, he’ll need to be 100%, and the SEC Player of the Year, says that he will be. 

Johni Broome cleared for Final Four matchup with Florida

After injuring his right elbow in the Elite Eight on Sunday, Broome is expected to play on Saturday night in San Antonio as his Auburn Tigers take on the Florida Gators. 

Auburn basketball has never made the national championship game, and after two dominant seasons following his arrival from Morehead State, a Final Four win would be a fitting end to Broome’s memorable career as a Tiger.  Broome has played 35 of Auburn's 37 games this season, missing a few matchups with an ankle injury earlier in the season, but he will be active for the most important one of the year.