Quentin Snider out 2-3 weeks with strained hip flexor

As has been the case with so many Louisville basketball seasons in years past, just when things appear to be coming together perfectly, some unforeseen bit of news comes out of left field and throws things right back into chaos.

Such is the case with the news Monday night that junior point guard Quentin Snider will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks while he recovers from a strained hip flexor that he suffered during U of L's win over Duke on Saturday.

Snider suffered the injury on a layup with 18:48 remaining, but finished the game despite his discomfort. The injury should heal with rest and rehabilitation and does not require surgery.

Snider is the Cardinals' assist leader and second-leading scorer, averaging 12.1 points, 4.0 assists and 2.6 rebounds. He is third in the ACC and 32nd in the nation in assist-to-turnovers ratio (2.88). In the last three games, Snider has averaged 15.7 points and six assists. He has hit 12-of-24 three-pointers in UofL's five ACC games (.500), fourth best in the league.

When you talk about the one player Louisville couldn't afford to lose, it's always been Snider. There isn't another true point guard on this Cardinal roster, and Q has also emerged as a player capable of being the team's top offensive threat on any given night.

A lot of guys are going to have to step up now if U of L wants to avoid a loss or three that costs them the seed they deserve on Selection Sunday.