Johni Broome, No. 4 Auburn Beat No. 5 Iowa State to Advance in 2024 Maui Invitational

A tale of two halves may be a cliche phrase, but sometimes it is accurate.

Monday’s game between No. 4 Auburn and No. 5 Iowa State was one of those times.

The Tigers men’s basketball team defeated the Cyclones 83-81 in Monday’s quarterfinals showdown at the 2024 Maui Invitational. Iowa State had a 49-33 halftime lead, but Auburn came charging back and outscored the Big 12 team 50-32 after intermission.

Johni Broome’s putback after an offensive rebound in the final second proved to be the difference, and Iowa State’s desperation heave did not fall.

Broome proved to be the hero at the end, which was fitting since he led the way during the comeback. He posted 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks while controlling the glass and anchoring the interior defense.

It was far from a one-man show, though, as five Tigers finished in double figures.

Chad Baker-Mazara found his touch from deep on his way to 18 points, while Tahaad Pettiford provided a spark off the bench with 14 points. That helped counter Keshon Gilbert, who spearheaded the effort for Iowa State with 23 points while going 8-of-10 from the field.

However, Gilbert’s turnover in the final seconds gave Auburn its final possession, which it turned into the game-winning basket.

While this was a quarterfinals game in the tournament, neither team will go home. Rather, Iowa State now heads to the loser’s side of the bracket, while Auburn will head to the winner’s side. The Tigers face the winner of the game between North Carolina and Dayton, while the Cyclones will face the loser.

Iowa State wasn’t the only notable team to lose in Monday’s Maui Invitational action.

Back-to-back reigning national champions UConn lost to Memphis in overtime in the day’s first game, meaning there won’t be a highly anticipated championship match featuring the Huskies and perhaps Auburn.

Instead, it may be a Tigers showdown if Memphis and Auburn continue to win.