On Friday morning, it was a game-time decision on if Joshua Jefferson would the floor for No. 2 Iowa State’s contest with No. 6 Tennessee in the Sweet 16 on Friday night.
One hour before tip off, Iowa State announced that Jefferson would miss the match up against the Vols.
Jefferson, exiting the floor during the Cyclones’ first-round win over Tennessee State last week, made his way to the team’s shootaround in Chicago on Thursday and without a boot he’d previously been spotted wearing a boot in the second half of the TSU game.
Earlier in the week, Jefferson briefly touched on his injury, stating he’s “feeling good” and progressing as the Cyclones inch closer to tipoff with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.
While you’d certainly prefer Jefferson be at 100%, the team’s upcoming challenge with Tennessee’s defensive reputation and undeniable presence on the boards.
Momcilovic and backcourt general Tamin Lipsey stepped up for 46 combined points in defeating No. 7 Kentucky without Jefferson’s aid in the second round. It’s a far more testy defense the Cyclones are facing this time around and they’ll need all the troops if they’re going to piece together a balanced contest with Tennessee, itching for another trip to the Elite Eight; Iowa State is look for its first region finale appearance since 2000.
This season, Jefferson averages 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 rebounds per game.
