Iowa State star Joshua Jefferson's status vs. Kentucky, revealed

· Yahoo Sports

Iowa State is looking to punch its ticket to the Sweet 16 for the third time under coach TJ Otzelberger on Sunday, but it will be without one of its biggest stars in its battle against an SEC squad.

Visit newsbetting.club for more information.

Senior forward Joshua Jefferson, who exited the Cyclones' Round 1 blowout win over Tennessee State with an ankle injury, has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Round of 32 game against No. 7-seeded Kentucky. Jefferson was previously considered questionable for the contest.

It's a major loss for Iowa State. Jefferson paces the team in rebounds per game (7.4) and ranks second on the team in points per game (16.4). He was a consensus Second Team All-American this season and a First Team All-Big 12 selection.

Jefferson was not expected to play in the game, according to reports on Saturday. He was spotted in a walking boot and did not practice with the team ahead of the game against the Wildcats, per ESPN.

He logged just three minutes in the 108-74 first-round win on Friday before he was injured. X-rays following the game were negative, though he did suffer an ankle sprain, according to Otzelberger.

The Cyclones will hope to avoid an upset without Jefferson against Mark Pope's Wildcats, which are looking to make their second-straight Sweet 16 appearance.

Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Iowa State Basketball: Joshua Jefferson ruled out vs. Kentucky

Read full story at source