Chism bruised spine, elbow in fall

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee center Wayne Chism bruised his spine and elbow when he hit the floor after blocking a shot during the No. 14 Volunteers' victory over Louisiana Lafayette.

He will make a full recovery and be evaluated day to day, associate athletic trainer Chad Newman said Tuesday. Coach Bruce Pearl said the team hopes he can return during the week if his recovery allows.

Chism left the arena on a stretcher and went to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for testing on his head and neck. The school says all tests were negative, and Chism was released early Tuesday.

The 6-foot-9 player blocked a shot by La'Ryan Gary with 5:12 left in Monday night's 89-62 victory, then landed hard on his back under the basket. He had 18 points and 15 rebounds at the time.

"We're all thankful that Wayne's injury does not appear to be serious," Pearl said in a statement. "There was a lot of praying going on when he went down, and with some 21,000 Vol fans hoping he was going to be all right, those prayers seem to have been answered."

The Vols (9-2) were off Tuesday but will practice Wednesday. Tennessee visits Kansas on Saturday.

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