UNC's Bacot expected to be 'out for a while' with sprained left ankle

North Carolina lost more than a game on Wednesday, as starting center Armando Bacot left the Tar Heels' 74-49 loss to Ohio State with a sprained left ankle.

Bacot landed on an opposing player's foot after a tip-in during the first half and didn't return. The 6-foot-10 freshman was unable to put weight on his ankle, and his teammates helped him off the court.

"It was swollen by the time they got to the locker room so my guess is he will be out for a while," head coach Roy Williams told reporters postgame, including Inside Carolina's Ross Martin.

If Bacot is indeed sidelined for an extended period, his presence on both ends of the floor will be missed.

When healthy, the five-star recruit is a rim-protector and much-needed offensive post presence to space the floor for star guard Cole Anthony.

Bacot leads the team in rebounds (8.9) and blocks (1.8) per game, and he's the Tar Heels' fourth-leading scorer at 10.5 points per contest.

Juniors Brandon Huffman and Walker Miller are likely to receive more playing time during Bacot's absence.