GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel, the nation's leading shot-blocker, left Tuesday night's game at No. 7 Florida with a knee injury.
Noel, a forward who averages 10.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.5 blocks a game, landed awkwardly on his left knee with about 8 minutes to play. He screamed in pain as trainers rushed to his side. Teammates eventually carried him to the locker room for tests.
Losing Noel for any period of time, let alone the rest of the season, would be a huge blow for a young team that had started to gel in recent weeks.
The defending national champions entered the game having won five straight and seven of eight.
Noel had eight points, six rebounds and three blocks before getting hurt.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
