Mahalo to BMW of Maui for sponsoring our ESPN Honolulu coverage of the 2024 Maui Invitational!

By Jeff McKeown

Auburn led wire to wire tonight, credit to an intense defense and a dominating performance by Johni Broome to defeat North Carolina 85-72.

The Tigers came out with a purpose and Broome scored 11 of the Tigers first 23 to race out to a 23-10 lead at the 12-minute mark. 

North Carolina was unfazed and fought back to cut the lead to 2 on a Seth Trimble layup.

Auburn’s constant defensive pressure and Broome’s 18 points and 10 rebounds allowed Auburn to go to the locker room with a 40-32 lead at the half.

The second half saw Auburn push the lead to as many as 19 on a Tahaad Pettiford three and the Tar Heels were unable to cut it closer than 9 the rest of the way.

Six Auburn Tigers scored in double figures, led by Broome’s 23 points and 19 rebounds. Miles Kelly tallied 14 and Chad Baker-Mazara added 14 for the winners.  

Trimble had 17 points to lead the Tar Heels.

Auburn will play Memphis Wednesday at noon for the championship.

Photos: Lori McKeown