Iowa State started its March Madness run already with a scary incident.
Star forward Joshua Jefferson was injured early in the first-round matchup against Tennessee State on Friday, March 20.
The Cyclones player landed landed awkwardly after going up for a layup attempt less than three minutes into the contest, appearing to twist his ankle as he landed. He had to be helped off the floor by support staff as he was unable to put any weight on his left foot. Jefferson went straight to the locker room after the incident.
Joshua Jefferson injury update
Jefferson has not return to the game against the Tigers, and it doesn’t look like he will.
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Around the 11-minute mark in the first half, the broadcast showed Jefferson on crutches going into a room in the arena.
It’s unknown the severity of the injury but it can be a brutal one for an Iowa State team trying to reach its first Final Four since 1944. Jefferson is a dynamic player for the Cyclones, averaging 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. He has two triple doubles this season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joshua Jefferson injury update: Iowa State star hurt in March Madness