UConn's Ball uncertain for title game due to foot

UConn guard Solo Ball has a foot injury and will not practice Sunday as the Huskies prepare to face Michigan in the men's NCAA tournament championship game.

UConn coach Dan Hurley told reporters that Ball has "some type of a foot sprain" and is in a walking boot. His status is uncertain for Monday night's title game against the favored Wolverines, according to Hurley.

"I couldn't tell," Hurley responded, when asked whether Ball will play Monday. "We'll know more as we get later in the day."

Hurley added that he wasn't sure whether Ball would be able to undergo an MRI on Sunday since it's Easter. He did not immediately disclose when Ball, the Huskies' third-leading scorer, suffered the injury during their 71-62 victory over Illinois in the semifinals.

Ball is averaging 12.9 points and 3.1 rebounds while starting all 38 games this season for UConn. The 6-foot-4 junior shook off a recent slump to score 13 points, shooting 3-of-7 from 3-point range, in the Huskies' win over the Illini.

If Ball is unable to play Monday, senior guard Malachi Smith and junior wing Jayden Ross figure to see increased playing time for the Huskies, who were listed as a 6.5-point underdog vs. the Wolverines on Sunday morning.