Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu will not play in Thursday night’s game against Nebraska because of a “facial injury,” a team spokesman confirmed to the Chicago Tribune.
Dosunmu was injured after taking a hard hit to the face during Tuesday’s loss at Michigan State. Mady Sissoko was ejected for the rough play that sent Dosunmu tumbling to the court and holding his hand over his face.
“Ayo is eager to play,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said in a statement. “We are hopeful for his return to our lineup.”
Dosunmu is a catalyst for No. 5 Illinois (16-6, 12-4 Big Ten), which has only four regular-season games remaining. The Illini are in the hunt for a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament.
Dosunmu leads the Illini with 21 points, while shooting 48.6% from the field and hitting 40% of his 3-pointers. He has been clutch for the Illini with two triple-doubles this season, becoming the first Illinois player with the achievement.
The Athletic first reported the injury, noting Dosunmu had a broken nose and had been fitted for a face mask.
