AUBURN — The highly anticipated matchup between No. 2 Auburn basketball and Georgia State took an unexpected turn when All-American Johni Broome had to exit the game early due to what seemed to be a shoulder injury. This development has significant implications for Auburn's lineup and their upcoming play.

"Auburn Basketball's Star Player Faces Injury Setback"

Broome's Injury and Early Exit

During the 17:42 mark of the first half, Johni Broome rushed off the floor and into Auburn's tunnel, clutching his shoulder. Just a few minutes later, at the 11:34 media timeout, he returned to the bench wearing a hoodie and an ice wrap over his right shoulder, sitting at the end. At the time of his exit, he had only scored two points on 1-of-3 shooting.This unexpected incident left the Auburn fans and coaching staff worried. Andy Burcham, the voice of the Tigers, informed on the Auburn Sports Network that Broome was expected to be reevaluated at halftime. And shortly after the halftime intermission, it was officially ruled that he would be out for the rest of the game, as per a program spokesperson.

Impact on the Lineup

Without Broome, Auburn will have to rely heavily on starting center Dylan Cardwell. In 10 games, Cardwell has been playing a crucial role. Additionally, reserve forward Chaney Johnson is the next in line at the four position. In 10 games, Johnson is averaging 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, showing his potential to step up in Broome's absence.It's also likely that SMU transfer Ja’Heim “Turtle” Hudson will see increased playing time. Hudson has played in just five contests this season, averaging 6.6 minutes and 1.8 points per game. His presence could provide a different dynamic to the team.

Broome's Statistical Contributions

In just 10 games, Broome has been leading the Tigers in scoring with an average of 19.7 points. His rebounding average of 12.7 leads the country, and his block average of 2.8 leads the SEC. These numbers highlight his importance to the team and the void his absence will create.The coaching staff will now have to adjust their strategies and game plans to make up for Broome's absence. They will need to find ways to distribute the scoring and rebounding responsibilities among the other players.Adam Cole, the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser, can be reached via email at acole@gannett.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @colereporter. The team will await an update on Broome's condition from Bruce Pearl after the game.