Spartans lose leader Lucas to injury

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Two-time All-Big Ten player Kalin Lucas is out of Michigan State's second-round NCAA tournament game against Maryland with a leg injury that has him in a walking boot.

The Spartans' floor leader began hopping on one leg and keeping his left foot off the ground after making a runner and landing awkwardly on his left leg near the baseline with 2:28 remaining in the first half. As play continued at the other end, Lucas hopped down court on his right leg while wincing in pain. He tried to defend the ball before officials gave him an injury timeout.

The junior then hopped to his bench. After a trainer looked at his lower left leg for a moment, Lucas hobbled into a tunnel that leads to the locker room.

Michigan State led by nine points when Lucas left. He was remained out at the start of the second half, and wasn't even on the bench until 12 1/2 minutes remained in the game. The Spartans' lead had grown to 15 by then, thanks to the shooting of Durrell Summers.

On the bench, Lucas looked done for the day, if not longer. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and sweat pants, plus the walking boot on his left foot and ankle.

Three-point specialist Chris Allen did not start for the Spartans because of a foot injury. He entered midway through the first half, moved stiffly for a couple of minutes, then left the game and remained on the bench into the second half.

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