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No. 11 Tar Heels lose freshman star Caleb Wilson to hand fracture; timetable for return unclear

North Carolina has lost freshman star Caleb Wilson to a fracture in his left hand, though it's unclear exactly how long he'll be out.

The school announced the nature of Wilson's injury Thursday, coming two days after the 11th-ranked Tar Heels' loss at Miami. It's potentially a huge blow for UNC coming roughly a month from Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament, with the 6-foot-10 forward regarded as a high-end NBA prospect while leading the team in scoring (19.8) and rebounding (9.4).

Wilson exited the Miami game to head for the tunnel and later returned to the game with his left wrist and palm area heavily taped while finishing with a season-low 12 points.

In its release, the program said X-rays taken during the game were negative for a fracture. But additional imaging done after the team's return to Chapel Hill revealed a fracture, and the evaluation process is ongoing to determine a timetable for his return.

Wilson, who is from Atlanta, ranks sixth among freshmen nationally in scoring.

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Duke's Scheyer says staffer injured during court-storming at UNC is OK, had bloody lip

Duke coach Jon Scheyer said Monday a team staffer injured during a court-storming following a last-second loss at rival North Carolina is OK but had a bloody lip and was caught up under fans.

β€œAfter the game, what happened was I came back in the locker room and I see he's got a bloody lip and he's disheveled and he didn't know what happened, he got trampled on the floor,” Scheyer said during the Atlantic Coast Conference's coaches media call. β€œThat was my main concern after the game.

β€œHe’s doing better, he’s fine, ready to move on,” Scheyer added.

The fourth-ranked Blue Devils lost 71-68 to the now-No. 11 Tar Heels on Seth Trimble's 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left Saturday night. Fans rushed the Smith Center court thinking time had expired before an official review determined time needed to be added.

Security staffers cleared the court for a final play, then fans stormed again when time expired.

Afterward, Scheyer said staff members were β€œpunched in the face” amid the chaotic moments, which included video of at least one fan throwing what appeared to be a bottle at the Blue Devils. A Duke spokesman later said one person was injured, but didn't release additional details, citing privacy concerns.

Scheyer clarified Monday that only one person was struck.

β€œOne of our guys, he got hit in the face, got trampled,” Scheyer said. β€œLooked like he had been in a complete brawl after the game. He's doing better now, but that should never happen.”

Tar Heels coach Hubert Davis said Monday he has spoken with Scheyer but didn't elaborate further. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham spoke to reporters Saturday night, apologizing to Scheyer and referencing one injury.

The ACC, which in July announced a fine structure for schools when fans rush fields or courts, fined UNC $50,000 on Sunday.

β€œWe accept the ACC’s fine for having unauthorized people on the court before Duke and the officials could completely clear the floor on Saturday,” UNC said in a statement. "The video we have reviewed confirms we followed our protocols to get Duke’s players and bench personnel and the game officials off the floor safely.

"We will continue to review our protocols to provide the highest measures of safety in the event fans rush the court. We consider this matter closed and look forward to the rest of the season.”

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