Recapping everything Bruce Pearl said about Johni Broome’s injury status and Auburn's no. 1 AP poll ranking
Bruce Pearl's Auburn Tigers grabbed a 66-63 win over South Carolina on Saturday, but victory came at a steep price. That's because senior forward Johni Broome, who has led the team in scoring, rebounding and blocks this season, suffered a left ankle injury, forcing him to leave the game early.
Speaking to reporters on Monday after the Tigers were named the new No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 poll, Pearl also provided an update on Broome's status.
"Us being ranked number one in the country, I think it's deserving. Considering the schedule that we played, and the teams that we beat, and the great teams that we've beaten, and the job this team has done," he said.
"I don't know that we're the best team in the country right now. We're probably not right now, cuz obviously we're not at full strength. Johni won't play tomorrow against Mississippi State, but we're still a really good team. And so we'll prepare without him."
Earlier on Saturday after the South Carolina game, Bruce Pearl told SEC Network that Broome had a "significant sprain" and that the team would get an MRI on the injury to determine if there was anything else going on.
The loss of Broome, who's averaging a double-double, would be a huge blow for Auburnas they look to maintain their grip on the No. 1 ranking.
Bruce Pearl reflects on the mental fortitude of being number 1 in the country
After the hard-fought win against the Gamecocks, the Auburn Tigers improved to 15-1 overall and 3-0 in SEC play. Following the former No. 1 Tennessee's loss at Florida last week, the Tigers leaped into the top spot in the country.
In the Monday press conference, coach Bruce Pearl was asked about the team's mentality and the challenges that come with being ranked number one.
"Box checked, we check the box," Pearl said. "It's great to be able to say it. And I don't belittle it. We made history."
"Here we are in January. How many games have we won in a row now? We've won, let's say, eight maybe in a row, which is really hard to do here in the middle of January. We have seven quad-one wins, not one at home. Man, it's a great time to step back and look at what's been accomplished."
Bruce Pearl and the Tigers' only loss came against Duke in the ACC-SEC Challenge in early December. Since then they have reeled off 8 straight victories, including wins over quality opponents like Purdue, Texas, Ohio State and South Carolina.