UConn freshman starting guard Nika Muhl will miss Tuesday’s second-round NCAA Tournament game against Syracuse, the school announced prior to tipoff.
Muhl was questionable to play after spraining her right ankle in the second quarter of Sunday’s first-round game against High Point. Associate head coach Chris Dailey said she felt confident Muhl would play if she was able to.
“If there’s any way Nika can be on the court, she will be on the court,” Dailey said. “I know her and that’s the way she is. There’s absolutely no question in my mind. If she’s able, she’ll be there.”
UConn did not comment on the severity of the injury.
Muhl has been a spark for the Huskies since being inserted into the starting lineup in early February, averaging 5.0 points, 2.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. She brings a defensive energy to the team that sets the tone for them on that end of the floor. Her defense will certainly be missed Tuesday as UConn faces off against point guard Tiana Mangakahia, who is the nation’s assists leader with 7.5 per game.
The Huskies could opt to go big in the starting lineup and insert Aaliyah Edwards in Muhl’s place, as Syracuse starts a 6-7 center in Kamilla Cardoso.
