Sprain will sideline Paradoski at least two games

~ An MRI revealed no structural damage to the point guard's knee.

Southeast Missouri State junior point guard Paul Paradoski received good news and bad news on Friday regarding the left knee he injured during Tuesday's practice.

First, for the good news. Results of an MRI revealed no structural damage, meaning Paradoski will not need surgery.

Now, for the bad news. Paradoski suffered enough damage that he will likely miss several games.

Paradoski has definitely been ruled out of the next two contests, Ohio Valley Conference home dates with Jacksonville State at 4:30 p.m. Sunday and Samford at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Paradoski, who said he was told he has a sprained MCL and a "real bad" bone bruise, expressed some relief but also some disappointment.

"Coach said it was good news, but I thought it was bad news because I was hoping to be back sooner," Paradoski said. "I haven't missed a game in my life because of an injury, so it's going to be hard.

"But I know it could have been worse than what it is, so I'm happy about that."

Southeast coach Scott Edgar said in a news release that Paradoski "will miss at least the next two games. It is unfortunate ... but he is a tough competitor who will be back in the lineup as soon as is physically possible."

Paradoski, who said he will be on crutches for about another week, said he was told he won't be able to resume practice until after Christmas, which would also force him to miss the Dec. 23 game at Iowa State.

Paradoski said he assumes he will also probably miss the Dec. 30 contest at Purdue -- which would be a total of four games -- but hopes to be ready to return Jan. 2 when the Redhawks play at Eastern Kentucky in their first OVC action of the new year.

"I'm going to try and hopefully start playing Jan. 2," he said.

Paradoski, who has started 63 of 66 games played at Southeast -- he has never missed a game -- has started all 10 contests this season. He is averaging 5.4 points and leads the Redhawks in assists with 28, against 16 turnovers.

Edgar indicated that freshman Roderick Pearson will likely make his first collegiate start on Sunday.

Pearson had already been seeing considerable action at point guard, averaging 4.6 points and 17.1 minutes per game. He has 18 assists and 27 turnovers.

"We will probably start Roderick against Jacksonville State and then play point guard by committee," Edgar said in the release.

That committee could include starting senior off-guard Terrick Willoughby and freshman combo guard Marcus Rhodes. Willoughby has played the point previously during his Southeast career.