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Update: Alabama forward Juwan Gary leaves with injury vs. South Carolina men's basketball

Erik Hall
The Tuscaloosa News

Alabama men's basketball redshirt freshman forward Juwan Gary left with an injury early in Tuesday's game against South Carolina. 

Gary came out with 17:33 left in the first half. He held his left shoulder as he walked back to the locker room. 

Before leaving the court, Gary laid on the baseline screaming in pain. 

SEC Network broadcaster Tom Hart said with about four minutes left in the first half that Gary is "not likely to return" vs. South Carolina.

Feb 9, 2021; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin and Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats check on Alabama Crimson Tide forward Juwan Gary (4) after he suffered an injury in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Gary did not see action after his injury. Gary returned to the sideline at the start of the second half with his left arm in a sling and bound to his chest, according to The Post and Courier. 

Tuesday's game was Gary's first career start.

Gary's hometown is Columbia, South Carolina, where Tuesday's game is being played, and his parents were at the game, according to Alabama men's basketball head coach Nate Oats.

South Carolina led Alabama 6-2 at the point Gary was injured. He had two points and an offensive rebound before leaving the game. Alex Reese replaced Gary in the Alabama lineup.

Feb 9, 2021; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Juwan Gary (4) is helped off the court after suffering an injury against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama defeated South Carolina 81-78. 

Oats said after the game that Gary sustained a shoulder injury that will be reevaluated when the team gets home.

"Hopefully not out long, but we'll see," Oats said of Gary. 

Alabama, ranked No. 11 in the Ferris Mowers Men's Basketball Coaches Poll, improved to 16-5 overall and 11-1 in the SEC. The South Carolina Gamecocks went to 5-8 overall and 3-6 in the SEC.

Kentucky guard Brandon Boston Jr (3) works against Alabama forward Juwan Gary (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

After Tuesday, Alabama leads the all-time series 32-16 vs. South Carolina. 

Here's more Alabama men's basketball news: 

Frank Martin is the South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball head coach.

Erik Hall is the lead digital producer for sports with the USA Today Network. You can find him on Twitter @HallErik.