Gators’ Handlogten fractures left leg in SEC final

Mar 17, 2024, 01:31 PM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Florida center Micah Handlogten fractured his lower left leg in the opening minutes of the Southeastern Conference competition final Sunday and was taken off the court on a stretcher.

“You just hate to see it for him because he does whatever the right way and works hard,” Florida coach Todd Golden said as he combated to manage his feelings after the 86-67 loss to No. 12 Auburn. “That’s an extremely fluky injury you understand that you do not see really often in this game. Playing a big-time game like this, to go out that way, I simply feel for him.”

Handlogten, a 7-foot-1 sophomore, had 2 rebounds in 2 minutes and was attempting to come down with a third when he landed awkwardly on his left foot with 17:46 staying in the first half. He right away decreased in discomfort and rolled onto his side, putting his hands to his face.The noise

of bone apparently breaking could be heard on television with blood right away visible on the back of his calf.Editor’s Picks 2 Related Play continued

as Aden Holloway took a pass and completed a layup on the other end for Auburn. Play then stopped as trainers hurried out to tend to Handlogten, and everyone inside Bridgestone Arena went silent.Golden thanked the medical personnel from Florida, Auburn and the SEC for the quick action treating Handlogten. Florida authorities were expecting Handlogten to have surgery later Sunday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.Handlogten’s parents were brought to the court from their seats in the stands. His mom, Danielle, using his No. 3 jersey, kneeled near his head as her boy was dealt with on the court with his father, Ben, close as well.Handlogten’s leg was placed inside an air cast before he was placed on a backboard, then raised onto a stretcher. Colleagues came over to him as Handlogten was removed the court. Fellow sophomore Riley Kugel could be seen weeping on the Florida bench.Handlogten averaged 5.5 points and was 5th in the SEC with 7.1 rebounds per game throughout the regular season. He came into Sunday

‘s game ranked 4th nationally in offensive rebounding portion.” Losing him truly kind of affected us,”Florida forward Tyrese Samuel stated.” We’re going to go out there next week and continue playing for him.

“The Associated Press added to this report.