SIU men’s basketball has suffered a blow, as they will lose starting guard Marcus Fillyaw for 4-6 weeks with a broken bone in his left hand.

According to Salukis Athletics, Fillyaw injured his hand in the 71-67 win over Loyola University Wednesday.

Fillyaw has started all 16 games at point guard this season, averaging 4.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. Fillyaw also leads the team with 45 assists this season.

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“[I’m] very disappointed, I’ve never really had an injury where I’ve had to sit out,” Fillyaw said. “It’s kind of new to me.”

Coach Barry Hinson said other players will be considered to fill the point guard spot and fill the void left by Fillyaw’s injury.

“I think right now we have to do it by committee,” Hinson said.

Hinson said he’s disappointed because Fillyaw was finally coming into his own on the court.

“Marcus, (we) just got him back to where he was really playing well for us, ” Hinson said. “This is an opportunity for other guys to step up. Injuries are a thing you deal with in college basketball.”

The Salukis will battle the Evansville University Aces Saturday at 3:05 p.m. in SIU Arena.

Tyler Dixon can be reached at [email protected] or 536-3311 ext. 256.

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