Updated March 20, 2026, 2:33 p.m. CT
Iowa State basketball star Joshua Jefferson left Friday’s NCAA Tournament game with a left-ankle injury and isn’t anticipated to return to the competition.
Jefferson, a second-team All-American by the Associated Press, landed awkwardly after going up for a layup try early within the first half. He twisted his ankle and needed to be helped off the ground by Cyclone workers. Jefferson was unable to place weight on his left foot.
Jefferson went straight to the locker room, helped by staffers. CBS sideline reporter Jon Rothstein reported that Jefferson was having X-rays on the ankle.
An Iowa State spokesperson stated Jefferson is uncertain to return to Friday’s game.
Iowa State’s Dominykas Pleta and Nate Heise subbed into the game after Jefferson’s injury. Blake Buchanan left the game for a relaxation on the identical time.
The 2-seed Cyclones are enjoying 15-seed Tennessee State in a first-round game in St. Louis. Jefferson, a 6-foot-9 senior from Las Vegas, is without doubt one of the most versatile gamers within the nation. He averages 16.6 factors, 7.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
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