Star Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson is unlikely to play in the No. 2 Cyclones’ second-round NCAA tournament game against No. 7 Kentucky on Sunday.
Jefferson left Iowa State’s win over No. 15 Tennessee State on Friday just minutes into the first half after he severely rolled his left ankle. He was unable to put any weight on his left foot as he was helped from the court to the locker room and was on crutches shortly after the injury.
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X-rays were negative, however coach T.J. Otzelberger said Saturday that was looking like Jefferson would miss the game.
“Right now we’re continuing to evaluate,” Otzelberger said. “It appears unlikely, but you never want to rule anything out. So we’ll just continue to do what we can in his best interest and we’ll be prepared to go either way.”
Jefferson told reporters that he wouldn’t participate in the Cyclones’ practice on Saturday.
Jefferson averages over 16 points and seven rebounds a game for Iowa State and was a consensus second-team All-American this season. The Cyclones earned a top-eight seed in the NCAA tournament after finishing fifth in a loaded Big 12.
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Iowa State cruised to a 34-point win over Tennessee State without Jefferson for much of the game and while point guard Tamin Lipsey was in foul trouble. Lipsey played just 18 minutes and scored three points as he had four fouls.
The Cyclones are 4.5-point favorites over the Wildcats, who needed a buzzer-beater from just inside half-court from Otega Oweh to force overtime in their win over Saint Mary’s.
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