Texas loses guard Varez Ward for season

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Third-ranked Texas has lost point guard Varez Ward to a season-ending right quadriceps tendon injury, Coach Rick Barnes says.

The 6-foot-2 sophomore from Montgomery, Ala., was hurt Nov. 24 during pregame warm-ups before the Longhorns beat Pittsburgh, 78-62, in the title game at the CBE Classic in Kansas City.

"We all feel for Varez," Barnes said. "Everyone within our program understands how much time and hard work Varez has put in, and he has been the most improved player on our team from the end of last season. One thing for certain: He will be back."

Ward is expected to undergo surgery early next week.

He started the Longhorns' first three games and averaged 6.7 points and three rebounds.

Junior Dogus Balbay and freshmen Avery Bradley and J'Covan Brown will play extended minutes in Ward's absence.