Kelly Graves has optimistic outlook for Nyara Sabally after knee injury in season-opener

Nyara Sabally went down with an apparent knee injury vs. Idaho State, but coach Kelly Graves had some cautious optimism about her outlook.

Whenever Nyara Sabally goes down to the floor and holds on to her knee, any knee, the world of Oregon Ducks women’s basketball holds its collective breath.

That’s exactly what happened in the middle of the third quarter during the season opener against Idaho State. The 6-foot-5 forward went after a loose ball and hit the floor hard. The training staff and head coach Kelly Graves went out to help Sabally walk off the floor and straight into the locker room.

Fortunately for everyone involved, a crisis might have been averted as Sabally came out to sit on the bench with ice on her knee and watched the rest of the game where the Ducks went on to win 91-34.

Sabally has had a history of knee problems as they have caused her to miss two seasons. Losing her for any length of time would be a big blow to the Ducks as guards Te-Hina Paopao and Endyia Rogers are already missing time with various maladies.

Oregon (1-0) will continue its season Sunday, Nov. 14 as the Ducks host Dixie State for a 5 p.m. tip at Matthew Knight Arena.

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