Knee injury will end Brice Sensabaugh's freshman season at Ohio State
Adam JardyCHICAGO -- Ohio State freshman forward Brice Sensabaugh will not return to game action this season after being diagnosed with an undisclosed knee injury.
“Brice has had an outstanding freshman season and played very well down the stretch,” coach Chris Holtmann said in a statement. “I know how badly he wanted to play, and we are disappointed for him. We are proud of him and his continued development as a player and I know he's looking forward to supporting his teammates again today.”
Ohio State Buckeyes:Join the Ohio State Sports Insider text group with Bill Rabinowitz, Joey Kaufman Adam Jardy
Sensabaugh left Ohio State’s second-round win against No. 5 seed Iowa in the final minutes when he complained of knee pain and watched from the end of the bench alongside a member of the team’s training staff. He was evaluated after the game, through the night and into the morning before being held out of a 68-58 win against No. 4 seed Michigan State on Friday. He wore black Ohio State sweats and walked with a noticeable limp after being held out due to what was announced as “knee soreness.”
Following the game, coach Chris Holtmann said Sensabaugh would be further evaluated Friday night in Chicago.
“We love to have Brice on the court,” sixth-year forward and captain Justice Sueing said. “He does so much for us offensively and defensively. He raised our elevation of play. We have a lot of players on this team that can step up to the plate.”
Brice Sensabaugh:Freshman Brice Sensabaugh focused on Ohio State but, yes, 'I hear' the NBA talk
On the official pregame radio show, Holtmann said, "Brice had an MRI last night. It revealed a knee injury that is not significant but is going to keep him out for a little bit here."
A third-team all-conference player and projected first-round NBA Draft pick, Sensabaugh is averaging 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds this season. In wins against Wisconsin and Iowa, he has averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds and shot 61.1% (11 for 18) from two-point range.
In two games this season against Purdue, Sensabaugh scored 21 and 20 points and was 18 for 33 (54.5%) from the floor.