Iowa State's Jefferson sprains ankle in 1st-round win

Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson sprained his left ankle in the Cyclones' 108-74 first-round victory over Tennessee State, head coach T.J. Otzelberger said postgame, according to On3's Bill Seals.

Jefferson rolled his left ankle when he landed after a layup attempt early in the first half. Trainers helped the second-team All-American off the floor, as he couldn't put any weight on his leg.

Jefferson was listed as doubtful a few moments later and ultimately didn't return to the game. He went straight to the locker room to get X-rays and was later shown on crutches with his ankle wrapped. Otzelberger didn't provide an update on Jefferson's status for Sunday's contest against Kentucky.

However, the senior forward wouldn't rule out suiting up in the Round of 32 after Friday's win.

"I think if I can get up and down the floor and do what I need to do, I think I should be good to play," Jefferson told ESPN's Ben Baby. "I think that's what puts me in my best interest, but also the team."

He added, "If I'm out there, (playing at) 50% is not doing anybody any good because I'd just be letting the team down."

Jefferson is averaging 16.9 points and a team-leading 7.6 rebounds in 34 games this season. The senior also tops the Cyclones in minutes per contest (31.8).