Missouri suspends key bench player

COLUMBIA, Mo., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Missouri forward Jeffrey Ferguson was suspended two games Friday for a violation of team rules, the school announced Friday.

Ferguson will not dress for Saturday's game against Colorado and will not travel to Kansas for Monday's game, leaving the 25th-ranked Tigers without one of their key reserves.

"This comes at a tough time for our team," Missouri coach Quin Snyder said. "That being said, our ultimate goal is to maintain the focus of our team and to get through these next two games until Jeffrey can join us again."

The 6-10, 238-pound sophomore is averaging 2.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per game. He has played in all 16 games this season, including three starts.