Marquette leading scorer Markus Howard doubtful for Wednesday's game vs. St. John's

Marquette leading scorer Markus Howard is doubtful for Wednesday's game against St. John's at the BMO Harris Bradley Center with a right hip contusion, the school announced on Monday.

The sophomore guard, who is averaging 21.3 points per game, was hurt in the first half of the Golden Eagles' 90-86 victory over Creighton on Saturday in Omaha, Neb.

Howard was fouled by the Bluejays' Toby Hegner on a drive to the basket and fell hard on his right side with 5:02 left in the first half.

Howard stayed on the floor for several minutes. He was helped off the court and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

Without Howard, MU coach Steve Wojciechowski put freshman guard Greg Elliott in the starting lineup for the second half.

Howard has played in every game this season. He came off the bench in the season opener against Mount St. Mary's after suffering an ankle injury in practice that week.

Howard is the second-leading scorer in the Big East behind St. John's guard Shamorie Ponds (21.6 ppg.).

Howard had 18 points in 38 minutes in MU's first meeting with the Red Storm. Ponds scored 44 in St. John's 86-78 victory.