Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl talks with forward Johni Broome (4). © Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

Johni Broome Sends Blunt Message Before NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 4:21 PM ET

Just ahead of their first-round matchup with Alabama State, Johni Broome, made a clear statement that it is national title or bust for this Auburn Tigers squad.

"I don't want to go out not to my expectations and nobody else on this team would either. It's win or go home. If you're not willing to step up and play your best basketball now, then why are you playing it," said Broome on an interview posted by @NextRoundLive on X. Not that it wasn't already win or go home for a Tigers team that is the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, but Broome's statement certainly reaffirmed that.

The Tigers draw a far inferior opponent in Alabama State and should use their first-round matchup as a game to develop rhythm for the later rounds. If the Tigers win Thursday, it'll set up a blockbuster second-round clash with the winner of 8 seed Louisville and 9 seed Creighton.

After a devastating first-round upset to the 13 seed Yale Bulldogs in last year's tournament, the Tigers are on a mission to avenge that loss. It has been six years since Auburn has reached the Final Four and the program is yet to make a a national championship appearance.

For a team that has been dominant all year and has turned into a powerhouse over the recent years under the gritty, savvy leadership of Bruce Pearl, the Tigers will be on a quest to get out of their region and win the whole thing.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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