Sprained Ankle Figures to Keep Wheat on Bench

Louisville point guard DeJuan Wheat did not practice Saturday and is doubtful for today’s East Regional final in Syracuse, N.Y. against North Carolina because of a severely sprained ankle.

The Cardinals’ leading scorer walked with one crutch as he watched practice and probably will miss the first game of his four-year career after 135 consecutive starts.

“Based on how he looked [Saturday], it’s unlikely he’ll go,” said Louisville Coach Denny Crum. “They’re working on him day and night, and it just depends on how fast he heals.”

Wheat injured his left ankle while trying a three-point shot with 15:52 left in the Cardinals’ victory over Texas on Friday. Crum said his replacement would be senior and former non-scholarship player B.J. Flynn, normally a shooting guard off the bench.

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A neuroscientist is getting credit for the performances of Louisville’s Alvin Sims and Damion Dantzler in Friday’s victory over Texas.

Crum suggested the pair begin sessions with Steve Haladay, a counselor from Louisville. Crum said Haladay specializes in neuroscience--the study of brain research such as learning and memory.

“They were having problems with their mental approach to the game,” Crum said. “Your body plays the way your mind tells it to, and it’s not uncommon to go see a counselor. He is not a psychologist. He studies neuroscience.”

Sims had a career-high 25 and Dantzler a season-best 17.