http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/2008/12/19/2008-12-19_st_johns_star_justin_burrell_likely_out_.htmlSt. John's star Justin Burrell likely out of Holiday semifinal with facial injury
BY ROGER RUBIN
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Friday, December 19th 2008, 1:22 PM
Rivoli/AP
Justin Burrell
Justin Burrell, St. John's top player, is likely to miss Saturday's Holiday Festival semifinal against Marist at the Garden. The sophomore forward/center has a broken bone in his face after being hit with an elbow in practice Thursday.
The 6-8 Burrell is averaging 10.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. During the preseason, scouts from four different NBA teams attended St. John's practices to watch him play.
This is a serious blow to the Red Storm, which has won six straight and is 8-1 but has played a strength of schedule rated 322 of 343 in Division I according to RealTimeRPI.com. Should the Johnnies win Saturday, they will play the winner of the other semifinal between Virginia Tech and Columbia.
Burrell played only 17 minutes in Monday's win over Bethune-Cookman because of a mildly sprained right ankle, suffered late in the first half. He had four points and five rebounds.