CEDAR FALLS - Adam Viet can't seem to catch a break.

For a third consecutive year, an injury has derailed the Northern Iowa basketball player's season.

Even though X-rays were negative on the 6-foot-3 senior's right ankle Sunday, Viet has a severe sprain, and head coach Ben Jacobson said he's "very doubtful" for Tuesday night's nationally televised tilt against Creighton at the McLeod Center.

"We'll see how he progresses throughout the week, and hopefully we'll have him back in the rotation and available for Sunday (against Missouri State)," Jacobson said.

Viet, who made his first career start Saturday, injured the ankle during the second half during UNI's 75-73 loss to Bradley while trying to chase Jeremy Crouch off a screen.

"It's unfortunate because Adam was coming off a good game (at Illinois State) and up to that point hit a couple of shots and was defending well," Jacobson said.

Two years ago, the AGWSR alum slipped on a patch of ice and injured his knee in late December, forcing him to miss the last 20 games.

Last season, Viet hurt his shoulder diving for a loose ball against Indiana State. He was never the same, missing 16 of his last 19 shots of the season.

Jacobson hadn't decided Sunday night if Kerwin Dunham, Carlton Reed or Jon Montgomery would start against the Bluejays in a game to be televised by ESPN2.

"They all have to be ready to play," Jacobson said. "We'll know (Monday) who it's going to be and what our best lineup is against Creighton."

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com