Friday, February 21, 2003

Another Bad Break for Men's Basketball
Rodrigo Viegas Fractures Patella

en's Basketball senior forward Rodrigo Viegas is out for the season after fracturing his patella while shooting in Golden Panther Arena on Thursday. Viegas underwent successful surgery on Thursday night.

"We are obviously disappointed for Rodrigo in his senior year," said FIU head coach Donnie Marsh. "We were hoping he could make it for the stretch run, but this is another adversity the team will have to fight through and I am sure they will respond."

Viegas joins junior guard Kevin Harvey on the injured list, who is also out for the season with a knee injury.

The senior from Brazil was out at the beginning of the season after undergoing ACL and meniscus surgeries. He played in six games on the year, averaging 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds.

Coming into his senior year, Viegas was voted third-team All-Sun Belt Conference, after averaging 13.4 points and 6.0 rebounds his junior season.

Viegas will still participate in senior night activities against Middle Tennessee on Saturday night. The game is slated for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off at Golden Panther Arena.