The final ranked nonconference game of the season is on the horizon for the No. 2 Auburn Tigers, and it could be without its biggest weapon.
It is still uncertain if three-time SEC Player of the Week [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag] will play in Saturday’s game between Auburn and No. 17 Purdue. If he is unavailable, how will his absence affect the Tigers?
Broome exited Tuesday’s win over Georgia State with a shoulder injury. An MRI later suggested that surgery would not be required and that his healing time will be less than previously expected. After his departure, forward Chaney Johnson stepped up to score 26 points by shooting 12-of-14 from the field. He also logged eight rebounds and four assists.
Johnson, along with several others, are great supporting cast members to Broome, which is why ESPN remains confident that Auburn will earn another critical win on Saturday.
According to ESPN’s matchup predictor, Auburn has a 79% chance to beat Purdue on Saturday at Legacy Arena in Birmingham.
Outside of Broome, Auburn holds an advantage over Purdue in every major statistical category. Auburn outscores Purdue, 88.5-77.2, allows five fewer points per game, and outrebounds the Boilermakers by 6.3 boards per game.
A healthy mix of its stat advantage and a de-facto home game will help Auburn’s chances to earn another ranked win over a quad-1 team. The Tigers and Boilermakers square off on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. CT.
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