Turner to Miss Eight Weeks – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/5/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Ohio State junior guard Evan Turner has been diagnosed with a transverse process fracture on the second and third lumbar vertebra of his spine. He is expected to miss the next eight weeks, Vince O’Brien, athletic trainer for the Buckeyes’ men’s basketball team, said.
Turner sustained the injury early in the first half of Ohio State’s 111-60 victory over Eastern Michigan Saturday. Turner landed on his back after a dunk attempt. He left the court under his own power before going to the Ohio State Medical Center for tests. He was released from the facility and is home resting.
“My primary concern right now is Evan’s long-term health and well-being,” Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach said. “Evan was to this point in the season the best player in college basketball. We have been through tough situations before and our guys will regroup and prepare for the rest of our season starting with Butler next week in Indianapolis.”
Turner left the game with four points in seven minutes.
After eight games, Turner led Ohio State in scoring (18.5 ppg.), rebounding (11.4 rpg.), assists (47), field goals (62) and free throws made (22). He is shooting 61 percent from the field (62-102) and was the only Big Ten player averaging a double-double.
Ohio State is off the next week for final exams and will resume competition at noon Dec. 12 at Butler.
