Justin Jackson’s Presence is Big For Cincinnati Bearcats.

Jan 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats forward Justin Jackson (5) tries to get up after being injured during the first half against the Temple Owls at the Liacouras Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bearcats Senior Forward Justin Jackson injured his left ankle in the team’s 80-76 win over the Temple Owls Sunday.

With Jackson’s left ankle sprained, it prevented him from practicing today for the Bearcats biggest game yet of the season.

The No. 13 Bearcats will head to Louisville to take on the No. 12 Cardinals on Thursday night, a showdown for first place in the American Athletic Conference. The Bearcats are alone in first (19-2, 8-0), and the Cardinals are just a game back of Cincinnati (17-3, 6-1).

Head Coach Mick Cronin don’t know if he’ll have his most indispensable player on defense. Without Jackson, the team struggled in the 2nd half on the defensive side.

The Owls scored 50 points in the 2nd half and it promptly ended the Bearcats streak of holding 27 consecutive opponents under 70 points. It was evident there a much different defensive team without the service of Jackson.

Seven footer David Nyarusk will be his replacement if Jackson doesn’t go. We will likely know the status of Jackson during the pregame on Thursday.

Jackson has all the confidence in his teamates if he can’t go on Thursday. “My team is great.” Jackson said. ” I love em. Regardless if I’m here not here, they’re going to get the job done.”