INJURIES AND FREEZING RAIN CONCERNS FOR SEMO TEAM

Injuries and the weather are occupying much of Southeast Missouri State University men's basketball coach Gary Garner's thoughts as the Indians prepare for this week's Sierra Providence SunClassic Tournament in El Paso, Texas.

The Indians (7-3) are extremely banged up entering Wednesday night's first-round tourney game against Houston (2-7). The tipoff is set for 10 p.m. CST, following an 8 p.m. contest between host Texas-El Paso (7-1) and Jackson State (0-10).

Then there is the matter of the weather. The Indians are scheduled to fly from St. Louis to Dallas early this morning and then fly from Dallas to El Paso. But freezing rain in Dallas Monday canceled virtually all scheduled flights and freezing rain is forecast through Wednesday.

"The weather is a big concern," said Garner. "They're supposed to have freezing rain (in Dallas) into Wednesday. I don't know how it's all going to work out for us."

As for the injuries, heading the list is senior point guard Michael Stokes, arguably the Indians' most valuable player. He sprained an ankle during Sunday night's practice and did not practice Monday, although Garner expects him to be ready for the tournament.

"I think Michael will be able to play," Garner said. "I don't think his ankle is that bad."

Senior center Nyah Jones sprained an ankle during Monday's practice, although Garner also expects him to be ready to play against Houston.

But senior guard Amory Sanders, who missed last Wednesday's game against Campbell with a deep stone bruise on his foot, has not been able to practice since and he is doubtful for the tournament.

"Amory is really a concern," said Garner. "His foot doesn't seem to be getting any better. I doubt if he'll play at all this week and he might not even dress."

In addition, junior forward Monte Gordon, who missed the last three games because of recurring back problems, experienced a racing' heart and could not practice Monday. Sanders missed much of the preseason with the heart problem that has been determined to not be life-threatening and has been kept under control by medication.

"The injuries are our biggest concern," said Garner. "We barely had seven or eight guys for practice (Monday). We have to get healthy."

On the plus side of the injury situation, senior guard Matt Morris should be available for action in the tournament after being sidelined with mononucleosis since the final exhibition game.

As for the Indians' two practices since the players returned to Cape Girardeau following a three-day holiday break, Garner said the workouts were sluggish which is not surprising.

"Coming back off a break, that's usually the way it is," he said. "Sunday night especially. Most of them get back just in time for practice and they're just not ready to get after it."