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Syracuse guard Michael Gbinije missed the second half of the Orange's win over Louisiana Tech with a back injury.
(Dennis Nett | syracuse.com)
Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse guard Mike Gbinije sat out the second half of Syracuse's win over Louisiana Tech on Sunday with a back injury that didn't appear to be severe.
Gbinije played the first 14 minutes of the game scoring two points, and collecting two assists and two rebounds. He did not turn the ball over. After coming out late in the first half, Gbinije received some stretching help from Syracuse trainer Brad Pike. He was dressed for the second half but did not play, even as Syracuse battled foul trouble and struggled with turnovers.
"His back was tight," Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim said. "That's all I know."
Gbinije was one of just four players remaining when the Syracuse locker room when opened up after the game, a rarity for a program that is very accommodating to media members.
When asked about the injury, Gbinije simply answered "back" as he walked out the door.
Based on how Gbinije appeared to be moving after the game, and the fact that he played most of the first half, his injury likely isn't a long-term concern and he will likely be able to play against Villanova.
Still, it's one more worry on a Syracuse team with a very long list.
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