College Basketball

Florida C Egbunu tears thumb ligament before SEC Tournament

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:02 p.m. ET

foxsports

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Florida could be without center John Egbunu in the Southeastern Conference Tournament.

Egbunu tore a ligament in his right thumb during practice Tuesday, leaving his availability against Arkansas on Thursday in doubt. The 6-foot-11 sophomore has been cleared to play and will dress for the game, but coach Mike White says ''realistically, I don't know how much he'll be able to go.'' Egbunu has been fitted with a brace, which could affect his ability to catch, dribble and shoot.

Egbunu is averaging 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. If he can't play, the Gators will look to get more from freshman Kevarrius Hayes and junior Schuyler Rimmer.

Hayes and Rimmer likely would have their hands full with Razorbacks center Moses Kingsley, who averages 16.1 points and 9.2 rebounds.