Injuries hurt ORU lineup - Tulsa World (12-13-05)

[ORUTerry]

Injuries hurt ORU lineup

By MIKE BROWN World Sports Writer

12/13/2005

Oral Roberts University senior guards Jonathan Bluitt and Andrew Meloy underwent MRI scans Monday to determine the severity of recent injuries. Results are due Tuesday.

Bluitt's bruised heel is not believed to be serious, but ORU trainer Glenn Smith said Meloy may have a "severe knee sprain" that could cause him to miss two or three weeks.

Bluitt missed Sunday's 79-66 win at Northern Colorado and hasn't practiced since an 88-76 loss to Missouri State last Wednesday. Meloy started for Bluitt at UNC, but was sidelined early in the second half when UNC center Kirk Archibeque fell on his left knee.

The Golden Eagles also have senior guard Chris Riouse hobbled with a foot injury and aren't as deep as when they started the season.

Head coach Scott Sutton is trying to redshirt freshmen Daren Jordan and Sylvester Spicer and sophomore Moses Ehambe. The Eagles suited eight men at UNC and were down to six when Eric Fowlkes fouled out.

Smith said Bluitt and Riouse probably need rest and a few days off to heal from their injuries, but Bluitt underwent an MRI to make sure his isn't more serious.

ORU plays Thursday at Louisiana-Lafayette.

Owens honored:

Senior forward Larry Owens averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists in two games and was chosen as the Mid-Continent Conference player of the week.

The 6-foot-7 Owens had 16 points and a career-high eight assists in the win at UNC. He scored a season-high 22 points with nine rebounds in the loss to Missouri State.

[ORUIsbig]

I hope this doesn't scare them into taking one of those guys out of red shirt.

Though it would be nice to have spicer in the line-up we need him more in the future.