Auburn backup forward Chris Moore left the Tigers’ NCAA tournament first round contest in the first half with a left ankle injury.

It occurred when Moore drove to the basket and landed awkwardly on his left ankle. He left the game immediately, not even shooting the ensuing free throws after being fouled.

The injury was reportedly a sprained left ankle, according to the CBS broadcast, and Moore has not been ruled out from returning. He returned to the bench in the first half, not long after initially going to the locker room.

Head coach Bruce Pearl said on the broadcast that if Moore can’t return, Auburn could use more of its guards or utilize freshman wing Jahki Howard.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m