Texas forward Nneka Enemkpali out for season with torn ACL

Posted January 19, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

Texas forward Nneka Enemkpali (3) holds on to her leg after being injured while pulling down a rebound over Baylor in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Rod Aydelotte) The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas standout senior forward Nneka Enemkpali will miss the rest of the season after tearing a ligament in her left knee during a loss at Baylor.

The injury is a significant blow for the No. 8 Longhorns, who have lost three of their last four games after rising as high as No. 3 with a 13-0 start. The 6-foot-1 Enemkpali leads the Longhorns in scoring, averaging 12.4 points, and was the top rebounder in the Big 12 at 10.6 per game.

Texas recently welcomed back guard Ariel Atkins and Brianna Taylor from injury and appeared to be rounding back into shape before Enemkpali tore her anterior cruciate ligament in the first half of a 75-58 loss at Baylor.

The injury was announced Tuesday by team athletic trainer Lisa Stalans.

"My heart goes out to Nneka," coach Karen Aston said. "It is never easy to see a student-athlete's career cut short like this. Nneka has been the heart of our program for quite some time."

Texas (14-3, 3-3 Big 12) hosts Iowa State on Saturday.

Baylor guard Niya Johnson (2) attempts a shot between Texas guard Krystle Henderson (4) and forward Nneka Enemkpali in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Rod Aydelotte) The Associated Press

Texas forward Nneka Enemkpali (3) looks toward the basket while driving on Baylor center Sune Agbuke, left, in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, in Waco, Texas. Enemkpali left the game after an injury. Baylor won 75-58. (AP Photo/Rod Aydelotte) The Associated Press

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