DAYTON, Ohio — In a heartbreaking moment for American University, star player Matt Rogers sustained a right knee injury during their 83-72 defeat against Mount St. Mary’s in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. This injury concluded what had been an exceptional final season for Rogers, a player who notably chose loyalty over allure by remaining with the smaller Washington D.C. program instead of transferring to a more prestigious institution.
“This young man has put in tremendous effort,” expressed Eagles coach Duane Simpkins. “His development has been remarkable. Facing this setback will importantly shape him as both a player and an individual. Witnessing his injury was tough to endure.”
Rogers, in his fifth year and already a graduate, first injured his knee shortly into the matchup between two 16-seed teams hoping to earn a shot against Duke in the main tournament bracket. After initially exiting for treatment, he returned to the court only to appear to exacerbate the injury during a defensive play.
“It was an awkward box-out,” Rogers explained. “The initial tweak felt off, but I tried to continue with support. Unfortunately, another wrong step seemed to worsen it. It’s upsetting when your body fails like that.”
At 6-foot-9, Rogers acknowledged he needs further medical assessment to understand his injury fully. As he lay on the floor, he reached for Coach Simpkins’ hand while medical staff attended to him. Ultimately, Rogers was escorted to the locker room and did not return to play, later appearing on the bench using crutches, supported by his mother, who was visibly emotional in the audience.
“I feel for him deeply,” commented Mount St. Mary’s coach Donny Lind. “Matt’s flexibility on the court was significant, and his effort was relentless. My hope is for his swift recovery.”
Rogers, who averages 17 points per game, was making his NCAA Tournament debut following American University’s triumph in the Patriot League, marking their return to March Madness for the first time in nearly a decade. Before the injury, he contributed seven points.
“I wanted to give my all out there tonight,” Rogers shared. “I still held so much for my team in my heart because the journey of being a college athlete is profound. Witnessing the team’s reaction and adjustment without my presence was a proud moment.”
Reports indicate that Rogers shunned an appealing offer, described by his father as a “life-changing amount” from another school, opting instead for the limited incentives available at American, namely free campus parking and occasional meals.
“It’s unfortunate to end my time like this,” Rogers lamented. “I aimed to achieve more for myself and the American University community because they truly deserved a victory in the NCAA.”
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