CEDAR FALLS - The University of Northern Iowa's injury-plagued basketball team took another hit Saturday.

With four players already sidelined because of injuries, head coach Ben Jacobson said senior guard Carlton Reed may have ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee during practice.

Reed, who banged knees with teammate Travis Brown during a one-on-one drill in the team's second practice of the year, will have an MRI on Monday to confirm the diagnosis of the UNI medical staff.

If that's the case, Reed will have surgery later this week and be lost for the season.

"Carlton's worked extremely hard for six months to put himself in position to really be a big part of what our team does this season," Jacobson said Saturday night. "That's what hurts the most.

"We'll have to shift some things around and some younger guys are going to have to step forward. The biggest thing is, I feel for Carlton. He had really put himself in a position to have a chance to really enjoy his senior year."

Reed, who already used a redshirt year when he transferred from the University of Iowa to UNI, could possibly apply for a medical hardship and sixth season.

"I haven't talked with the compliance people yet, but if we can do that, that's what we'll pursue," Jacobson said.

Reed has been hampered by injuries since coming to UNI. He broke a bone in each foot last season and was limited to 17 games. He averaged 3.5 points and nearly a rebound per outing.

However, being just one of two seniors on this year's club, Reed was expected to compete for a spot in the starting lineup.

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