Chad Baker-Mazara leaves matchup vs. Creighton with injury

Chad Baker-Mazara was cruising for Auburn in Saturday’s 2nd-round game vs. Creighton. Unfortunately, he left with what appeared to be a hip injury in the 2nd half, and that could change things for the Tigers.

While driving to the bucket in the 2nd half, Baker-Mazara was fouled by Creighton’s Jamiya Neal and was visibly shaken up. He remained in the game to shoot — and make — both free throws, but Baker-Mazara could not continue and was removed from the game.

The broadcast cameras caught Baker-Mazara quickly being taken to the locker room, and he was fortunately able to return to the bench at 11:55 left in the game. Per the TBS broadcast, it is a right hip bruise and he had ice on the ailment, but it remains to be seen if he can return to the game.

At the time of his injury, Baker-Mazara was leading all scorers with 17 points. He was particularly instrumental in sparking Auburn’s start after halftime with 12 points in the 2nd half.

Even without Baker-Mazara in the lineup, Auburn was able to find its footing and build a lead of 8 points over Creighton with 10:30 left to play. We’ll see if it’s enough to get the Tigers to the finish line and into the Sweet 16.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.