An MRI performed Wednesday night confirmed that University of Evansville basketball player Clint Hopf has a torn ligament in his left knee, according to Head Coach Marty Simmons.  Hopf suffered the injury during the first half of Tuesday’s win over 22nd ranked Northern Iowa.  Hopf suffered a similar injury to his right knee as a high school senior.  He will not play again this season, and will undergo surgery within the next month after swelling subsides.

Hopf was Evansville’s top scorer over the three-game stretch leading up to Tuesday’s game against Northern Iowa, with 46 points.  He scored a career-high 18 last Saturday against Illinois-Chicago.  Hopf was nominated earlier today for the Missouri Valley Conference 'Most Improved' Team.  The 6'8" junior is averaging 6.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and shooting 52  percent this season.  His totals last season were 1.8 points, 1.4 rebounds and 42 percent shooting.  Hopf scored in double figures only five times in his first 73 collegiate games, through mid-January.  Since then, he has scored 10 or more points six times in nine games. Hopf made his first start for the Aces start Dec. 17, and started in 18 of the next 20 games, including Tuesday against Northern Iowa.

"Obviously, the entire team feels bad for Clint," Simmons said.  "He's been playing the best basketball of his career recently, and he'll certainly be missed.  But his attitude is very good.  I know he will put in the work necessary to be ready for next season."

The Aces close out the regular season Saturday at Drake, and play next Thursday in the first round of the Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.