Auburn Tigers vs Purdue Boilermakers Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Auburn Faces Purdue With Johni Broome’s Status Uncertain

No. 2 Auburn is gearing up for a high-stakes non-conference showdown against No. 16 Purdue on Saturday in Birmingham, Ala. However, the Tigers might have to do so without their star player, Johni Broome, whose availability remains in question after a shoulder injury.

Broome’s Injury Clouds Auburn’s Outlook

Broome, Auburn’s leader in points (18.1), rebounds (11.5), assists (3.5), and blocks (2.7), injured his right shoulder early in Tuesday’s 100-59 win over Georgia State. An MRI revealed no major damage, but his status remains uncertain as he missed Thursday’s practice.

“He will travel, obviously, up there,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said. “We just don’t know. But the good news — it’s not a long-term problem.”

Typically, Pearl does not play athletes who miss the final practice before a game, so whether Broome practices Friday could determine his availability.

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Chaney Johnson Steps Up

In Broome’s absence, reserve Chaney Johnson shone against Georgia State, posting a career-high 26 points on 12-of-14 shooting. Johnson, who averages 10.6 points and 6.0 rebounds, provided a significant boost in the post, complementing Dylan Cardwell.

“Chaney Johnson was dominant,” Pearl said. “I’m really proud of him. Nobody works harder than Chaney.”

Purdue Aims to Rebound

The Boilermakers (8-3) enter the matchup looking to rebound from two losses in their last three games, including a 70-66 defeat to then-No. 17 Texas A&M in the Indy Classic. Poor rebounding and defensive struggles have plagued Purdue, as they were out-rebounded 34-23 and allowed 24 free-throw attempts against the Aggies.

“We’ve got to do a better job keeping the ball in front of us and containing the dribble,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said.

Trey Kaufman-Renn leads the Boilermakers with 18.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, but he was held to just 11 points and four rebounds against Texas A&M. Braden Smith, averaging 13.4 points and 8.5 assists, remains a key playmaker, while Fletcher Loyer has been lights out from beyond the arc, shooting 50 percent on 3-pointers this season.

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Strength on Strength

Auburn and Purdue both have shown they can handle top-tier opponents. Auburn is 3-1 against ranked teams, with the only loss coming to then-No. 9 Duke. Purdue, meanwhile, boasts a notable 87-78 victory over then-No. 2 Alabama in November.

Purdue coach Matt Painter expressed his respect for Broome and Auburn’s depth, emphasizing that he hopes to see Broome on the court. “What makes him great is his ability to pass,” Painter said.

Historical Matchup

Purdue leads the all-time series 2-1, including a dominant 96-71 win in their last meeting during the 2016 Cancun Challenge. The teams are set to face off again next season in the Indy Classic.

What’s at Stake

For Auburn, the game offers an opportunity to maintain their elite ranking and extend their momentum heading into conference play. Purdue looks to secure a marquee win and stabilize after recent struggles. Regardless of Broome’s status, both teams are poised for a thrilling clash.