BY MIKE DECOURCY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati Bearcats point guard Michael Horton will not accompany the team on its trip to the Great Alaska Shootout because of concern he has a stress fracture in his left foot.
X-rays on the foot taken Saturday were negative, but Dr. Angelo Colosimo, the Bearcats' orthopedic surgeon, said the rest and treatment Horton needs to recover would be better achieved by remaining home.
Horton was held from the starting lineup against Rhode Island and was replaced by junior Alvin Mitchell. Horton played 16 minutes, shot 2-of-3 from the field and did not commit a turnover.
Horton, a 6-1 senior who started 26 games for UC last season, injured his foot near the start of preseason practice and has played with discomfort since. It's possible he aggravated the injury against Rhode Island Thursday.
Coach Bob Huggins said he has struggled with the idea of playing Horton because he did not want the foot to worsen, but he also wanted to keep Horton in game shape. Horton has argued to be kept in the lineup. His absence leaves UC with two legitimate point guards, Mitchell and freshman Steve Logan.
Mitchell, Logan and Horton shared the position in the Rhode Island game and finished without a turnover. UC also can use senior shooting guard Shawn Myrick at the point.
No. 17 UC (1-0) leaves today for Anchorage. The Bearcats are scheduled to open the Shootout Wednesday against Southern Utah and will play two more games following that. If they win the first two, they might meet No. 1 Duke in the championship game.
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