By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Xavier University freshman Justin Doellman will likely be able to play in Wednesday's game at Duquesne after sustaining a punch in his jaw during Sunday's game at Rhode Island.

A doctor examined Doellman Monday to determine if any significant damage was done, but besides swelling and a few loose teeth, Doellman appeared to be fine. Xavier did not practice Monday, but coach Thad Matta did not know if Doellman would be able to practice today.

"He took a hard shot," Matta said. "But he's a tough kid."

Doellman has been an integral part of Xavier's current four-game winning streak, starting all four games and averaging 9.0 points during the streak. He leads the team in 3-point percentage at 48.1.

The punch came from Rhode Island's Brian Woodward, who sent a close-fisted blow for no apparent reason into Doellman's jaw near the end of Sunday's game at Rhode Island, which Xavier won 81-67. Doellman was removed from the game for treatment, but managed to return to play out the final minutes.

Rhode Island coach Jim Baron suspended Woodward for URI's Wednesday game against Temple. He also had Woodward write letters of apology to Xavier and the Atlantic 10 office in Philadelphia.

"I don't tolerate that," Baron said Monday. "I was very upset with it."

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E-mail ddow@enquirer.com