THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, December 5, 1995 TAG: 9512050400
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
Old Dominion leading scorer and rebounder Joe Bunn and center Odell Hodge are questionable for tonight's home game against South Florida because of injuries.
Bunn has a combination contusion and sprain to his right big toe, while Hodge has a strained right shoulder. Bunn was injured when he was kicked in the first half of ODU's loss to Southern Illinois on Saturday. Hodge got hurt in practice Sunday while reaching behind his back for the basketball.
Ironically, Hodge was hurt on Dec. 3, the same date in 1994 he tore his anterior cruciate ligament.
Both players sat on the sidelines icing their injuries during practice Monday. Bunn, ODU's power forward, also missed Sunday's practice. ODU trainer Scott Johnson said Hodge's injury is day-to-day, and that Bunn is, at best, questionable for the game with the Bulls.
``We'll have to wait and see with treatment,'' Johnson said.
``Joe probably is not going to be able to play,'' coach Jeff Capel said.
The injuries are bad news for ODU (2-3), which is struggling and plays five games in the next 23 days away from home. Bunn averages 18.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, while Hodge averages 11.8 points and 8.8 rebounds. Only three ODU players have scored in double figures twice or more - Bunn, Hodge and freshman Mike Byers.
``It doesn't help,'' Capel said. ``If they are unable to play, somebody just has to step up and give us something.''
Capel said Byers and freshman forward Mark Poag will start, and could be joined in the lineup by fellow freshmen Skipper Youngblood and Reggie Bassette.
``That's a scary thought, but it's possible,'' said Capel, who also has senior reserves Derrick Parker and Mario Mullen as inside options. ILLUSTRATION: Odell Hodge sprained his right shoulder in practice, reaching
behind his back for the ball.
GAMEWATCH
[For a copy of the graphic, see microfilm for this date.]
by CNB