Eric Boggs 
Auburn basketball
In a commanding performance, No. 4 Auburn defeated No. 12 North Carolina 85-72 in the Maui Invitational semifinals on Tuesday, advancing to the championship game against Memphis. The Tigers (6-0) leaned heavily on Johni Broome, whose dominant 23-point, 19-rebound double-double solidified his status as one of college basketball’s premier big men.
Auburn raced to an early 15-point lead, controlling the game from the outset. Although North Carolina (4-2) cut the deficit to two during a first-half rally, Auburn reasserted its dominance, leading 40-32 at halftime and extending the margin to as much as 19 points in the second half.
“Our guys started both halves extremely well. Johni Broome was dominant,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “This is a huge win, but we’ll need an unbelievable effort tomorrow against Memphis.”
Auburn’s Balanced Attack
Broome led the way for Auburn, contributing across the board with five assists and three blocks in addition to his scoring and rebounding. The Tigers boasted six players in double figures, including Miles Kelly with 15 points and Chad Baker-Mazara with 14. Auburn’s size and physicality proved too much for North Carolina, as the Tigers out-rebounded the Tar Heels 42-36 and shot a solid 43.5% from the field.
Denver Jones showcased his defensive prowess, earning praise from Pearl. “He’s one of the best defensive guards in the country,” Pearl said, highlighting the team’s collective effort on both ends of the court.
North Carolina Falls Short
North Carolina, known for its second-half comebacks this season, couldn’t replicate Monday night’s rally against Dayton. Despite a team-high 17 points from Seth Trimble and double-digit contributions from four other players, the Tar Heels never led. They struggled to break down Auburn’s defense, shooting under 44% and failing to capitalize on their moments of momentum.
Broome’s size and skill overwhelmed UNC’s Jalen Washington, with the Auburn star asserting himself early and often. Trimble and RJ Davis provided sparks, but Auburn’s aggressive defense limited the Tar Heels’ offensive flow.
Looking Ahead
Auburn will face Memphis in the championship game on Wednesday at 4 p.m. CT, with the Tigers aiming to become only the third SEC team to win the Maui Invitational. Pearl acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting Memphis’s speed and athleticism.
North Carolina, meanwhile, will battle Michigan State in the third-place game at 9:30 p.m. ET. The Tar Heels, who lead the all-time series against the Spartans, hope to rebound from this loss and add a quality win to their season résumé.
Auburn’s triumph cements its early-season credentials as a national powerhouse, while North Carolina looks to regroup and build consistency as the season progresses.
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