Four tickets to the Final Four have been stamped, and Auburn basketball grabs the last one as the Tigers head to college basketball’s biggest stage for the first time since 2019.

After a 25-point performance from leading scorer Johni Broome, Auburn defeated Michigan State 70-64 to clinch its second Final Four berth in program history.

This was Michigan State coach Tom Izzo’s first loss to an SEC opponent in the NCAA tournament, after entering the game 10-0 against the conference during March Madness.

Here’s how the Tigers made their way to the Final Four:

John Broome’s first half double-double

National Player of the Year frontrunner, Broome, did not hold back against the Spartans in the first half as the Tigers held a nine-point lead at the break.

Johni Broome scored the Tigers first six points, finishing the half with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

The Tigers jumped out to an early 15-point lead after going on a 17-0 run at the start of the half. Michigan State gained momentum sparking a 7-0 run of its own to cut its deficit back to single digits.

Both teams combined for six made 3-pointers in the first half, shooting under 25% from beyond the arc. Auburn’s defense held Michigan State to eight made field goals entering the break.

Tight battle in the trenches

With the outside shots not falling for either teams, the second half was a physical war in the frontcourt. The Tigers led with 34 points in the paint behind the efforts of Broome.

Jaxon Kohler was the hot man for the Spartans leading with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while matched up against Broome. Jaden Akins added 15 points as the Spartans scored 30 points from inside the paint.

Rebounding totals were close as Michigan state led in that category 41-39. However, the Tigers forced nine turnovers on the Spartans and finished with five blocks and four steals as a team on the defensive end.

Full team effort as Auburn heads to San Antonio

 Broome exited the game with 10:35 left in the second half after suffering a right elbow injury. He eventually returned at the 5:29 mark of the game, draining his second 3-pointer in the process.

The Tigers role players stepped up bigtime as Tahaad Pettiford and Miles Kelly combined for 18 points for the Tigers.

Chad Baker-Mazara hit some big shots finishing with six points and Chaney Johnson added eight points off the bench.

Auburn advances to the Final Four and will meet the No. 1 seed Florida Gators next weekend, for a shot to play in the national championship game.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at [email protected].