The Auburn Tigers pulled off a huge upset in the Sweet 16 Friday, boucing No. 1 North Carolina from the tournament after catching fire from beyond the arc. No player was more influential in the victory than Auburn sophomore Chuma Okeke, who was forced to leave the game in the second half after suffering a serious leg injury. Okeke’s leg buckled as he began to go up for a shot, and he was in agony on the floor. Okeke finished the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds, both game-highs.
Auburn coach Bruce Pearl got emotional when speaking about Okeke after the game, but promised that the Tigers will rally.
“Chuma… Chuma was the best player on the floor. He’s hurt. He’s hurt. But we’re going to rally. So I’l go hug on him.”
In the Auburn locker room, Okeke put the ceremonial stamp on the bracket, placing the Tigers into the Elite Eight.
