Illinois star Dosunmu out indefinitely with facial injury

Illinois star Ayo Dosunmu will be out indefinitely after suffering a facial injury in Tuesday's loss to Michigan State, the school announced Thursday, according to ESPN's Jeff Borzello.

The junior guard suffered the ailment when Spartans big man Mady Sissoko hit Dosunmu on a drive to the rim late in the second half.

Sissoko was assessed a flagrant-2 foul and ejected, though Dosunmu remained in the game.

"Ayo is eager to play," Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said. "We are hopeful for his return to our lineup."

Dosunmu, who withdrew from the NBA draft last summer, has been a driving force on the fifth-ranked Fighting Illini. He's currently ninth in the nation in scoring (21 points per game) and second in the Big Ten in assists (5.3).

The 21-year-old has improved his 3-point shooting from 29.6% last season to 40% this campaign.

Dosunmu is one of 20 players on the 2020-21 Wooden Award late-season watch list and among five finalists for the Bob Cousy Award.

Illinois enters Thursday's game versus Nebraska with a 16-6 record, including a 12-4 mark in conference play.