Sabrina Ionescu exits with apparent ankle injury in Liberty preseason scare

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu prematurely left Sunday’s preseason finale with an apparent left ankle injury.

Ionescu appeared to roll her left ankle under the basket early in the third quarter. 

She drove past two defenders toward the basket, pivoted under the rim and went for a layup before landing awkwardly on her left ankle near the 7:40 mark of the quarter.

She was seen laying on the court, grimacing in pain as the Sun pushed the ball up the court.

Ionescu gestured to the Liberty’s bench to sub her out and walked on her own power — albeit gingerly — straight toward the locker room. 

Moments later, Ionescu was ruled out for the remainder of the game with what the team called a “lower body” injury.

Sabrina Ionescu looks to pass during the Liberty’s May 3 game against the Sun. NBAE via Getty Images

Ionescu finished with six points, two assists and a rebound in 16 minutes. 

The Liberty were already shorthanded as Satou Sabally, Rebecca Allen and Marine Fauthoux sat out for the second consecutive game for what the team deemed “reconditioning.” 

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who played in the preseason opener April 25 but was a limited participant in practice Friday, was also ruled out for reconditioning.

Coach Chris DeMarco said the team is “just trying to have them ready for Friday.”

The Liberty are also without Leonie Fiebich and Raquel Carrera who are finishing their season with Valencia Basket.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.