DURHAM, N.C. – Duke center Carlos Boozer has
been diagnosed with a fractured third metatarsal in his right foot that will sideline
him through at least the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament.
A 6-9 sophomore, Boozer was injured early in the second half
during Tuesday's 91-80 loss to Maryland. Prior to the injury,
he collected 16 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes. Boozer, Duke's main inside threat, tried to return after suffering the injury, then left for good with more than 10 minutes left.
"We're optimistic that Carlos can return for the NCAA
Tournament," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said Wednesday.
A native of Juneau, Alaska, Boozer is averaging 14.0 points and
6.5 rebounds. He is the only Blue Devils' big man who receives
significant minutes, which could leave the team undersized
during the postseason.
Second-ranked Duke, which needs a win over No. 4 North Carolina
on Sunday to claim a share of its fifth straight Atlantic Coast
Conference regular-season title, likely would turn to 6-10
junior Matt Christensen to fill Boozer's spot in the middle.
Christensen, however, is averaging fewer than 10 minutes per
game and has been considered a disappointment after an
All-American prep career at Belmont High School in
Massachusetts.
Another choice for Krzyzewski is 6-11 sophomore Casey Sanders, a
McDonald's All-American who has not been a factor at Duke.
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Boozer injured in Duke's loss to Maryland
AUDIO VIDEO
 ESPN's Dick Vitale on how Carlos Boozer's absence will affect Duke.
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