Tigers Win Thriller – AuburnSports: Auburn Tigers Football & Basketball Recruiting

Bruce Pearl knew it would be a tough test against No. 5 Iowa State. He was right, as the game came down to the final second when No. 4 Auburn capitalized on a putback by Johni Broome with one second left to claim a thrilling 83-81 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Maui Classic.

After trailing by 16 at halftime, the Tigers came back with a 15-2 run, capped by a three-pointer from Chad Baker-Mazara and a foul shot to cut the lead to three. A Miles Kelly jumper from outside the arc tied the game at 53-13-51.

The Cyclones pulled back by five points until Baker-Mazara hit two free throws and Tahaad Pettiford made a jump shot to cut the Cylones’ lead to one. Iowa State responded and extended the lead to five again. A basket from Broome and Kelly cut the deficit to one point before Curtis Jones hit two shots, making it a three-point game.

Broome made sure of that by hitting a three-pointer to tie the game at 73 before Denver Jones hit two free throws and a jump shot to give the Tigers a 77-73 lead.

Iowa State didn’t prevail, tying the game at 1:53 and taking the lead with two free throws from Keshon Gilbert with 51 seconds to play.

A layup by Kelly tied the game with 38 seconds left. Auburn forced a turnover on the other end of the field, setting up Broome’s heroics.

Broome led the Tigers with 21 points. Chad Baker-Mazara added 18 points while Tahaad Pettiford finished with 14 points.

Auburn plays the winner of North Carolina/Dayton on Tuesday night.