Cyclones' Final Four Hopes in Jeopardy as Star Player Suffers Ankle Injury
Iowa State's March Madness run hit a major roadblock as leading scorer and rebounder Joshua Jefferson sprained his left ankle in a blowout win. His status for the rest of the tournament is uncertain.
Iowa State's hopes of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament took a concerning turn as star forward Joshua Jefferson suffered a left ankle injury during the team's 108-74 rout of Tennessee State in the first round.
The 6'8", 240-pound junior, who was averaging 16.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season, drove to the basket for an uncontested layup early in the second half. As he landed, his entire body weight came down awkwardly on his left ankle, causing it to twist underneath him. Jefferson immediately crumpled to the floor and had to be helped off the court by teammates and trainers.
X-rays on Jefferson's ankle were negative, indicating no broken bones, but the extent of the sprain is still unknown. Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger said the team's medical staff will further evaluate the injury and determine his status going forward.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: The Guardian
