NEW YORK — Gonzaga freshman guard Josh Perkins is out indefinitely with a broken jaw after being kicked in the head near the end of the No. 10 Bulldogs’ 88-76 win over Georgia Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
He will have his jaw wired shut due to the fracture and is ruled out indefinitely. There is no timetable for his return.
Gonzaga will meet St. John’s Friday in the NIT Season Tip-Off championship game at Madison Square Garden.
“We are praying for a speedy recovery for Josh,” head coach Mark Few said. “He’s a tough kid, and in good spirits today. We know he’ll be eager to get back on the court as soon as he can be.”
“Josh is fine,” said Randy Perkins, the player’s father. “He’ll be there to cheer his team on come Friday.”
Perkins was injured in the semifinals when he drove the baseline after faking a 3-pointer in the corner.
Georgia’s Kenny Gaines was caught in the air attempting a block, and the front of his right shin caught Perkins flush in the jaw, with the reserve guard immediately clutching his face after the two collapsed to the floor.
Perkins went to the hospital after the game for tests.
Perkins is averaging 6.3 points and 4.3 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.
Kyle Wiltjer scored a career-high 32 points to lead Gonzaga.
(The AP contributed)
