Broken Kneecap Sidelines Iowa’s Recker

Luke Recker, who has led No. 18 Iowa to a first-place tie in the Big Ten Conference with No. 5 Michigan State and No. 6 Illinois, probably will miss the rest of the regular season because of a broken right kneecap.

The injury apparently happened in a 71-66 victory over Indiana last Saturday, John Albright, the Iowa team physician, said Friday.

Albright said the injury could keep Recker out for “as little as six weeks or possibly more.”

There are only four weeks left in the regular season, which ends March 4. According to Albright’s timetable, Recker could be back for the Big Ten tournament, which begins March 8.

If Iowa makes the NCAA tournament, the Hawkeyes would start play March 15-16.

Recker’s right knee has bothered him much of the season because of tendinitis and a bruise. Albright said the fracture most likely was caused by a direct hit to the outside part of the kneecap, possibly from another player’s knee.

The fracture is a small crack on the side of the kneecap, Albright said. It does not extend across the knee or go through the bone. Albright said he would treat the injury with an ultrasound device that has been shown to speed healing of fractures.

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Cordell Henry had 21 points and four assists to lead Marquette to a 71-65 victory over Memphis in a game between division leaders of Conference USA at Memphis, Tenn.

Henry connected on six of 11 field goals and all eight of his free throws for the Golden Eagles, 11-8 overall and 6-2 in conference.

The loss ended a winning streak at eight games for Memphis (12-9, 6-2).

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Lindenwood University canceled today’s NAIA game against Evangel University as members of the men’s basketball team recovered from injuries suffered in a van accident Thursday night.

Six Lindenwood players, an assistant coach and a trainer were injured when their van went out of control and overturned on Interstate 70 near Montgomery City, Mo., as the team traveled to a game against Missouri Valley in Marshall, Mo.

School officials said the game against Evangel was rescheduled for Wednesday at Lindenwood, located in St. Charles, Mo. It was not immediately known when the team would make up its game against Missouri Valley.

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About 6,000 fans took to the streets of Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday night and started two bonfires after No. 4 North Carolina’s 85-83 victory over No. 2 Duke.

One car was overturned and fans jumped on another one, police spokeswoman Jane Cousins said. No injuries were reported.