Sorry I am a little late on reporting this. Doctors confirmed a ligament tear in Banchero's knee, thus ending both his season and his collegiate career. It is a tough blow for a player who was on pace to be an All-Conference player and challenge for a spot on the All-American Team. It is an even bigger blow for the Seattle Pacific squad, who now have to figure out how to win without their floor general and his 25 points and 6 assists per game.

At a later date I will write a post about Banchero's possible career trajectories, but for now I will leave you with the link to the official press release about his injury.

http://www.spufalcons.com/news/2011/1/11/MBBALL_0111111731.aspx?path=mbball

Unfortunately Bachero was unable to suit up against the University of Alaska-Anchorage. The Seattle Pacific website states:

"The Falcons were without the services of Banchero, their leading scorer who injured his knee early in Thursday’s 84-61 win at Alaska Fairbanks. His availability will be determined after undergoing a medical examination early next week."

I will be checking in regularly to see if I can find anything out. Fingers crossed for good news.

Banchero left the game at the 12:52 mark in the first half after going down with a knee injury. He did not return to the game, but the Falcons were able to pull away with the win. Banchero had score 6 points in the early going, and looked to be heating up.

I can not find any news on the seriousness of the knee injury, but we should find out something tomorrow when the Falcons play in Anchorage.

Tough game for Banchero as he dealt with a defense focused entirely on stopping him and with foul trouble. Banchero picked up two early fouls so was only able to play in six minutes of the first half. The question has been asked all season, how good is SPU without Banchero, as his phenomenal play early on has lead the team. The first half answered that question, as his teammates rallied with him watching on the bench. Sub Ryan Anderson exploded for 17 first half points, picking up for the offense that Banchero would have provided.

In the second half Banchero still did not get his scoring going until the very end, but he was still able to help his team as he directed the offense, ending the game with 5 assists, right around his team-leading average. With two minutes left and his team up by only one point, Banchero scored two crucial baskets, one on a gorgeous runner off the right wing, the other off a pull-up from the elbow. Those two baskets secured a 74-71 victory for the team.

This was a great win for the team, as they proved that on an off night for Banchero they are still competitive. As well, after losing a close game against Western Oregon two days earlier, it was good to see the Falcons remain composed and poised to close out a game.

The next games are the annual road trip up to Alaska on 1/6 against