It was a massive weekend for the Auburn basketball program. Between hosting ESPN College GameDay for the fifth season in a row and the matchup's designation as this year's AUTLIVE game, there was a lot at stake for head coach Bruce Pearl's squad this weekend.
Though the Tigers ultimately triumphed with a 53-51 victory over the Vols, it was not an easy win. The lead seemed to flip-flop every time a basket was made, and it was a low-scoring defensive game in which Auburn struggled to score points despite the return of star player Johni Broome.
At the end of the day, it's another big win to add to Auburn basketball's resume this year, and here's how the team reacted to their hard-fought win.
Head coach Bruce Pearl on Johni Broome's decision to play, per Auburn Undercover:
"The big kid for Tennessee is a great shot blocker, and he just did what he knew he had to do against Okpara, just bury him in there deep and not let him use his length. We got some really good inside touch on our basket OB's. We had some really good insides. We needed every one of them. But I think what Johni did with his rehab all week and living with the trainers and the doctors and being able to come out and just affect winning so much. He just affects winning. All he cared about was winning. So I think as a leader, it's another statement."
Johni Broome on being able to finish a close game, per Auburn Rivals:
"You just go down the line on how many close games we've had. It shows the grit and determination of this team. We all just huddle up and rely on defense: 'Get four stops, get three stops.' That's what we do. Rebound the basketball, make free throws at the end, and that's how we'll win ball games."
Miles Kelly on his game-tying shot, per The Montgomery Advertiser:
"As soon as he (Broome) seen me, he was like, 'Oh, MK open!' He threw it to me. As soon as it left my hands, I knew it was good. Those are the moments that I live for."
The Tigers return to action this Wednesday against LSU in Baton Rouge.