Florida players in tears as Handlogten suffers severe injury in SEC final

Florida’s Micah Handlogten suffered a serious leg injury in the opening minutes of the Southeastern Conference Tournament final on Sunday and was taken off the field on a stretcher.

Handlogten had two rebounds in two minutes and was trying to pull down a third when he landed awkwardly on his left foot. The 7-foot-1 center immediately collapsed in pain and rolled onto his side, hands to his face. The sound of apparent bone breaking could be heard on TV, while blood was immediately visible on the back of his calf.

The play continued when Aden Holloway took a pass and finished a layup at the other end for Florida’s opponent, Auburn. Play then stopped as trainers rushed outside to tend to Handlogten, and a hush descended on Bridgestone Arena. His parents were brought to the court from their stands and several Florida players were in tears. Some Auburn players prayed while Handlogten was treated.

Handlogten’s leg was placed in an air cushion before he was placed on a backboard and then lifted onto a stretcher. Teammates came to him when Handlogten was taken off the field.

Handlogten was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for tests, according to ESPN, which broadcast the game.