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Joshua Jefferson injury update: Iowa State star status unknown for second round
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- Joshua Jefferson injury update: Iowa State star status unknown for second round
Iowa State started its March Madness run already with a scary incident.
Star forward Joshua Jefferson was injured early in the first-round matchup against Tennessee State on Friday, March 20.
The Cyclones player landed landed awkwardly after going up for a layup attempt less than three minutes into the contest, appearing to twist his ankle as he landed. He had to be helped off the floor by support staff as he was unable to put any weight on his left foot. Jefferson went straight to the locker room after the incident.
T.J. Otzelberger gives update on Joshua Jefferson
Jefferson did not return in the blowout win over Tennessee State. After the game, coach T.J. Otzelberger said he has a sprained left ankle and the x-ray was negative.
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His status for the second round game against Kentucky is unclear.
"We'll continue to reevaluate over the next day or two and just see where things are when we get to Sunday and we figure out what time we play," Otzelberger said.
Iowa State players said the injury was a little frightening not knowing the severity of it, but they all adopted the next-man-up mentality "knowing that that's what he would have wanted," said Nate Heise.
Jefferson is a major contributor for the Cyclones, averaging 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. He also has two triple doubles on the season
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"He's an unbelievable player, unbelievable leader and not having him out there brought a lot of challenges, but proud of our guys how they stepped up and how they trusted and believed in one another," Otzelberger said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joshua Jefferson injury update: Iowa State star hurt in March Madness
