Before Auburn Begins Its Quest for a National Title: A Look Back at the Best Moments from the Tigers’ Historic SEC Regular-Season Title
As Auburn prepares to make its deep run in the NCAA Tournament with eyes set on a national championship, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable journey that led the Tigers to claim the Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season title—a historic achievement that set the stage for what could be one of the most successful seasons in the program’s history.
The 2024 SEC regular-season title marked Auburn’s dominance in one of the toughest and most competitive conferences in college basketball. From dominant individual performances to thrilling team victories, the Tigers’ regular-season campaign was filled with moments that will go down in history. Let’s look back at some of the most unforgettable moments from Auburn’s regular-season title run.
1. The Early Statement Win Over Kentucky
Auburn’s season began with a strong message to the rest of the SEC when they defeated the Kentucky Wildcats, one of the conference’s most storied programs. The win, in front of a raucous home crowd at Auburn Arena, set the tone for the Tigers’ dominance in SEC play.
In what many considered a true test of Auburn’s championship credentials, they not only secured a statement win but also demonstrated their ability to compete with the best. The Tigers’ balanced offense, led by standout performances from Johni Broome and Allen Flanigan, was simply too much for the Wildcats to handle. The win against Kentucky was an early indication that Auburn would be a force to reckon with in the SEC, and it proved to be one of the defining moments of their regular-season campaign.
2. The Epic Comeback Against Alabama
One of the most thrilling moments of the season came during Auburn’s matchup against in-state rival Alabama. Down by 15 points late in the second half, the Tigers seemed on the verge of suffering a crushing loss. However, behind the leadership of Johni Broome and an unforgettable defensive effort, Auburn stormed back, ultimately securing an improbable victory.
Broome’s offensive brilliance, combined with key defensive stops and timely shooting from behind the arc, helped Auburn turn the tide. This comeback was a testament to the Tigers’ resilience and ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations. The win against Alabama was pivotal in securing Auburn’s place at the top of the SEC standings and signified the Tigers’ ability to close out tight games when it mattered most.
3. Dominating Arkansas on the Road
Another moment that solidified Auburn’s claim to the SEC title was their commanding road victory against the Arkansas Razorbacks, one of the toughest teams in the conference. Arkansas had been a formidable force all season long, but Auburn showed just how dominant they could be when they were firing on all cylinders.
The Tigers dominated both ends of the floor, holding Arkansas to an unusually low shooting percentage while executing an efficient and high-scoring offense. Broome’s leadership, combined with stellar performances from players like Jaylin Williams and Wendell Green Jr., helped Auburn claim a huge victory that put them firmly in control of the conference race.
This win was a major statement, demonstrating Auburn’s ability to perform on the road and handle one of the SEC’s most dangerous teams with ease. It was a game that many saw as the turning point of the season, with Auburn never looking back from that point forward.
4. Johni Broome’s Historic Performance Against Tennessee
Johni Broome’s individual brilliance was on full display during a memorable matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers, another top contender in the SEC. In a game where Auburn needed a standout performance, Broome delivered one of the most dominant individual showings of the entire regular season.
Broome scored a career-high 32 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, leading Auburn to a crucial victory that propelled them to the top of the conference standings. His performance wasn’t just about the numbers, though; it was about his ability to control the game from start to finish. Broome was a force on both ends of the floor, constantly pressuring Tennessee’s defense while locking down on defense himself. His leadership in such a pivotal moment helped Auburn put one of the best teams in the SEC in the rearview mirror.
5. The Emotional Senior Night Victory
As the Tigers neared the end of the regular season, they faced their final home game against a tough Mississippi State squad. With the SEC title still on the line, Auburn knew it had to bring its best effort. The night was made even more emotional as the team honored its seniors, particularly Johni Broome and Allen Flanigan, who had been integral to the program’s success.
The game was a close battle throughout, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. However, in the closing minutes, Auburn’s leadership and experience shone through. Broome and Flanigan combined for 45 points, and their late-game heroics helped Auburn secure a hard-fought victory to cap off the regular season. The win sealed the Tigers’ SEC title, but it was also a fitting tribute to the seniors who had helped guide Auburn to the top of the conference.
The emotional weight of the victory was felt throughout the Auburn community, as fans celebrated not just the team’s title but the careers of the players who had helped make this moment possible.
6. The Unbeaten Home Stand
One of the key reasons Auburn emerged as the SEC champions was their perfect record at home throughout the regular season. Auburn Arena became a fortress, where opposing teams simply couldn’t find success. The Tigers were relentless on both ends of the floor, feeding off the energy of their home crowd to deliver some of their most impressive performances.
Auburn’s home dominance was highlighted by victories over several ranked opponents, including Florida and Missouri. These wins were key to securing the SEC title, as they helped the Tigers keep pace with other top teams in the conference while building momentum heading into March Madness.
7. Wendell Green Jr.’s Clutch Plays
Throughout the season, Wendell Green Jr. was a constant source of clutch plays for Auburn, and his ability to step up when the game was on the line was vital to the team’s success. Whether it was a game-winning assist, a big three-pointer, or a crucial defensive stop, Green’s poise under pressure proved invaluable.
One of the most memorable moments of the season came during a close game against LSU, when Green hit a game-winning three-pointer with less than five seconds remaining to seal the victory for the Tigers. This moment encapsulated Green’s growth as a player and his ability to perform when the spotlight was brightest.
8. Auburn’s Defense Becomes a Key to Victory
While Auburn’s offense was certainly potent throughout the regular season, it was their defense that often became the difference in games. The Tigers’ defense was a key factor in several of their biggest victories, including wins over Mississippi State and South Carolina. Auburn’s ability to stifle opposing offenses, forcing turnovers and limiting high-percentage shots, gave them a major edge in tight contests.
One of the most impressive defensive performances came during Auburn’s dominant win over Ole Miss, where the Tigers limited the Rebels to just 54 points. This win showcased Auburn’s ability to lock down opponents, and it demonstrated that when their defense was clicking, the team could compete with anyone.
9. The Clutch Free-Throw Shooting
As the regular season came to a close, Auburn found themselves in several tight games where free throws became crucial. What stood out about the Tigers during these moments was their poise at the free-throw line. Despite the pressure, Auburn’s players—especially Broome and Flanigan—delivered when it mattered most, often sinking clutch free throws to close out games.
In their crucial victory over Mississippi State, for example, Auburn hit 9 of their last 10 free throws in the final minute, sealing the win and the SEC title. This ability to step up in pressure-filled moments was indicative of the mental toughness that Auburn displayed all season long.
Looking Ahead to the NCAA Tournament
As Auburn heads into the NCAA Tournament with the SEC title in hand, the team is riding high on the momentum of an incredible regular-season campaign. The Tigers’ blend of offense, defense, and clutch performances has made them a formidable contender for the national title.
With Johni Broome leading the way, and key contributions from players like Wendell Green Jr., Allen Flanigan, and Jaylin Williams, Auburn has the talent and depth to make a serious run in the tournament. The historic SEC regular-season title has set the stage for what could be an unforgettable March Madness, and Tigers fans are hoping for a championship run that will add to the storied history of Auburn basketball.
As Auburn prepares for the next step in their journey, there is no doubt that the memories of this historic SEC season will fuel their quest for a national title. The Tigers have proven they are among the best in the country, and their sights are now set on achieving even greater glory on the national stage.