BURGER KING CLAPHAM BULLS’ knockout defeat had nothing on the loss they suffered earlier Thursday night.
Local basketball was in a state of shock after being forced to witness Bulls guard Daniel Lovell suffer a gruesome ankle injury during his team’s 69-62 Co-operators General basketball knockout defeat to Orange 3 Pinelands at the Wildey Gym.
The unfortunate and rather unsightly injury marred an otherwise rousing contest, with players, fans and officials all collectively turning their heads in utter disbelief when Lovell awkwardly landed on Ramon Simmons’ foot which instantly sent his right ankle in a ghastly 90 degree bend.
Described as one of the most gruesome lower leg injuries ever seen in domestic basketball, Lovell’s setback resulted in a near 40-minute break to the game in the third quarter as the injured Clapham guard lay on the floor with his ankle wrapped in ice awaiting an ambulance’s arrival.
Surrounded by members of both teams and well-wishers, Lovell appeared to be in good spirits when he was eventually stretchered off the floor, having acknowledged everyone’s support with smiles.
The incident happened with less than a minute left in the third quarter, with Lovell getting up high to contest an attempt at the ring before appearing to gruesomely break his ankle when he came back down on Simmons’ foot.
Clapham were trailing 50-44 at the time. (JM)
