While attempting to save a ball from going out of bounds on Saturday night, it wasn’t an ordinary fan who grabbed Johni Broome’s jersey.
Treating the courtside fan as a random spectator, the No. 16 Auburn star swiftly slapped away the fan’s arm. Moments later, Broome realized the fan was none other than award-winning actor and Ole Miss enthusiast Morgan Freeman.
“I thought it was an Ole Miss fan grabbing my jersey, holding on to me,” Broome said after the game, via ESPN’s Myron Medcalf. “I kind of got his hand off. I saw who it was, and I’m a big movie guy. I probably watched one of his movies on the plane coming here. But I realized it was him and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m a big fan. I’m sorry.’ He said, ‘Just keep playing.’”
The revelation induced a bit of panic in Broome, considering Freeman’s status as an iconic figure and devoted Ole Miss fan. After the game, Broome made a point to find Freeman and offer a second apology.
Despite Ole Miss taking a 13-point lead before halftime, Auburn staged a significant second-half comeback, securing a 91-77 victory. The Tigers dominated, outscoring Ole Miss 56-33 in the second half and achieving an impressive 22-of-30 shooting from the field as a team. Jaylin Williams led Auburn with 16 points, and Broome contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Broome has maintained an average of 15.7 points and 8.8 rebounds this season.
The win marked Auburn’s second consecutive victory following a two-game losing streak, including a loss to in-state rival No. 24 Alabama. The upcoming match between Auburn and Alabama on Wednesday promises to be a highly anticipated event.
