Butler loses top 3-point shooter Sean McDermott for 4-6 weeks

INDIANAPOLIS – Butler, the worst 3-point shooting team in Big East basketball, has lost its best 3-point shooter.

Sophomore forward Sean McDermott will be sidelined for four to six weeks because of an ankle sprain, the school announced Wednesday. He was injured in the second half of the Bulldogs’ 71-69 win over Portland State on Friday in the PK80 Invitational at Portland, Ore.

McDermott missed Sunday’s 67-66 overtime win over Ohio State after starting in each of Butler’s first six games. He is fourth on the team in scoring (9.3) and leads in 3-pointers made (11) and 3-point percentage (.423).

Butler’s 3-point percentage of .288 ranks last in the Big East and 305th (out of 351) in the nation.

If McDermott is out six weeks, he would miss 11 games, including the first five of conference play. His absence further hampers a struggling offense that ranks 70th nationally in points per possession.

Butler (5-2) next plays Saint Louis (3-3) at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

McDermott has recovered from previous setbacks. Before his junior season at Pendleton Heights High School, he developed a staph infection that could have threatened his life. He red-shirted during his freshman year at Butler, and a wrist injury would have prevented him from playing anyway.

Call IndyStar reporter David Woods at (317) 444-6195. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007.