Mark Pope Confirms BYU’s Gavin Baxter Suffered Torn ACL Against UVU
Dec 1, 2021, 10:05 PM
Brigham Young Cougars forward Gavin Baxter (25) prepares to shoot a free throw during the college basketball game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Illinois State Redbirds on November 28, 2018, at Redbird Arena in Normal, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OREM, Utah – BYU men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope confirmed that senior forward Gavin Baxter suffered a torn ACL during the Cougars’ loss to the Utah Valley Wolverines.
The Wolverines hosted the No. 12 Cougars at UCCU Center on Wednesday, December 1.
Near the midway point of the first half, Baxter needed assistance to exit the court after suffering a non-contact leg injury. He did not place any weight on his left leg as he went to the locker room.
“He tore his other ACL,” Pope said of Baxter’s injury after the game.
BREAKING: #BYU head coach Mark Pope confirms in his post-game press conference that Gavin Baxter tore his ACL.
Season ending injury. #BYUHoops #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/Fbu693cnrf
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 2, 2021
Baxter left the game with one rebound during his time on the hardwood.
The senior forward has experienced multiple injuries throughout his BYU career, including a torn ACL and torn labrum.
This season, Baxter is averaging 8.8 rebounds, 3.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 15.3 minutes per game.
During his BYU career, Baxter has recorded 4.8 points, 2.9 boards, 0.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 45 games played.
Gavin Baxter leaves the game after an injury. Wasn’t putting pressure on his knee.
Teammates Trey Stewart and Paora Winitana helped him to the locker room.#BYUHoops #BYU @kslsports pic.twitter.com/wZ8DxMCzo9
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 2, 2021
BYU lost to Utah Valley in overtime, 72-65.
With the loss, the Cougars fell to a 6-1 record this season.
BYU’s next game is against the Missouri State Bears on Saturday, December 4 at 2 p.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on CBS Sports Network and KSL NewsRadio.
