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Prep Player Donates Marrow, Then Plays In Tourney

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) -- A St. Cloud high school senior played his last prep basketball game just a day after donating bone marrow to his sister, who has leukemia.

Ibrahim Abukar underwent surgery to remove the bone marrow from his spine at the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital Tuesday morning. His sister, Zamzam, had the transplant right after the marrow was removed from her brother.

By Tuesday afternoon, Abukar was shooting baskets at the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis.

He texted his Apollo High School basketball coach that he was ready to play. And on Wednesday Abukar was on the court at Williams Arena facing Orono in the quarterfinals.

The St. Cloud Times says Abukar contributed 16 points, but Apollo ending up losing 67-62 in overtime. Abukar's teammates said they really wanted to win the game for Abukar's sister.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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