Griffin Diagnosed with Sprained MCL

Jan. 15, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma freshman forward Blake Griffin sustained a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee Monday during the Sooners' game at Kansas and is expected to miss up to four weeks of action, according to head coach Jeff Capel.

Griffin underwent an MRI on Tuesday afternoon. No surgery will be required.

Griffin, who injured the knee with 15:06 remaining in the first half when he landed awkwardly after jumping for a rebound, left the game and did not return.

"We're very glad it's not season ending or career threatening," said Capel. "But it's a huge blow to our team. Blake is our leading scorer and rebounder, and has been playing his best basketball. He was really starting to become the dominant player that we knew he could be.

"Blake's injury affects our frontcourt depth, but it also presents an opportunity for other guys to step up. They have to be ready. We're not going to make any excuses."

Griffin, who was named Big 12 Rookie of the Week on Monday morning after averaging 26.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in two games last week, entered the Kansas game ranked ninth in the Big 12 in scoring (15.4 ppg), third in rebounding (9.1 rpg) and second in field goal percentage (.600). He had scored in double figures in nine straight contests and was averaging 20.8 points and 12.0 rebounds over the previous five games.

Oklahoma's next game is Saturday at home against Texas Tech at 3 p.m. The Sooners then have a week off before playing at Baylor on Jan. 26.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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