Player of the Week:
Markus Howard, PG, Marquette Golden Eagles
Senior point guard, Markus Howard from Marquette certainly put in work this past week. He averaged 32.3 points in a 2-1 week for the Golden Eagles at the Orlando Invitational. He scored 51 points in a semi-final win against USC and scored 40 points in a first-round victory against Davidson.
Howard became only the fourth player in major conference history to score 40 points or more on consecutive days. For the three games, Howard shot 42.3% (14-33) from 3-point range.
Howard’s incredible week should certainly stand out for NBA scouts as he is without a doubt one of the more talented scoring point guards looking to enter the draft.
Who’s Hot?
Butler Bulldogs, 9-0
Butler won both of their games this past week against Ole Miss and Florida. They defeated Ole Miss 67-58 on Tuesday in Oxford. Senior point guard, Kamar Baldwin led the way, scoring 31 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists.
The Bulldogs also defeated the Gators on Saturday 76-62 at home. Senior forward, Sean McDermott and junior guard, Aaron Thompson led the way, scoring 16 points apiece. The Bulldogs remain undefeated and at the top of the standings in the Big East.
Xavier Musketeers, 9-1
Xavier won both of their games as well against Green Bay and Cincinnati at home. They defeated Green Bay 84-71. Senior forward, Naji Marshall led the way, scoring 24 points, grabbing 4 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists.
The Musketeers also defeated the Bearcats 73-66. Marshall had another sensational game, scoring 31 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists. The Musketeers are now 9-1 and tied with DePaul for second place in the conference.
Who’s Not?
Providence Friars, 5-5
The Friars did win their first game last Sunday against Pepperdine 80-77 but lost their second game against Rhode Island 75-61. The Friars are now .500 and sitting at the bottom of the standings in the conference.
Georgetown Hoyas, 6-3
The Hoyas did win both of their matchups this week against Oklahoma State 81-74 and SMU 91-74 but will have to keep winning games if they want to move up in the standings. The Hoyas are currently sitting in second to last place in the conference. To make matters worse their standout point guard James Akinjo has decided to transfer.
Top 5 players to keep an eye on
1. Kamar Baldwin, Butler
Was MVP of the Hall of Fame Classic, while averaging 17.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. Hit the winning basket with five seconds left in the title game against Stanford. Scored 17 of the team’s last 20 points
Next game: at Baylor on Tuesday, 12/10 at 9 PM on ESPN2
2. Marcus Zegarowski, Creighton
Averaged 19.5 points and 3.0 assists per game in a 1-1 week at the Las Vegas Invitational. Had a career-high 32 points in an OT win over Texas Tech
Next game: vs UTRGV on Friday, 12/13 at 8 PM on FS1
3. Paul Reed, DePaul
Averaged 17.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.0 blocks in wins versus Central Michigan and at Minnesota. Blocked eight shots in Minnesota game
Next game: vs UIC on Saturday, 12/14 at 2 PM on FS1
4. Myles Powell, Seton Hall
Set a tournament scoring record at the Battle 4 Atlantis, netting 74 points in three games. Had 32 points in a loss to Oregon and 24 in a win over Iowa State. Was named to the All-Tournament Team
Next game: Tonight at 9 PM on ESPN2
5. Charlie Moore, DePaul
Averaged 19.5 points, 12.5 assists, 4.5 steals and 3.5 rebounds in a 2-0 week. Had 18 points and 13 assists against Central Michigan and 21 points and 12 assists at Minnesota
Next game: vs UIC on Saturday, 12/14 at 2 PM on FS1