Player of the Week
Markus Howard, PG, Marquette Golden Eagles
Senior point guard, Markus Howard is our Big East Player Of The Week after another outstanding week. Howard averaged 29 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a 2-0 week. He also shot 11-21 (.524) from 3-point range. In this his last go round as a senior, his efficiency and scoring continues to be among the country’s elite.
In an 82-68 victory against North Dakota State, Howard scored 32 points for his fourth game with 30 points or more this season. He ranks second in the nation in scoring with a 25.9 average.
After another great week for Howard continues to make a case for himself for the next level, despite lacking great size and play making ability for others.
Who’s Hot?
DePaul Blue Demons, 12-1
The Blue Demons won both of their games this past week against Cleveland State and Northwestern. They defeated the Vikings 73-65 in Cleveland. Junior forward, Paul Reed led the way, scoring 19 points with 10 rebounds and an assist.
They also defeated the Wildcats 83-78 at home. Junior point guard, Charlie Moore and forward, Jaylen Butz led the way. Moore scored 25 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and dished out 10 assists. Butz scored 24 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 1 assist.
Butler Bulldogs, 11-1
The Bulldogs only played in one game this week, defeating Purdue 70-61. Freshman forward, Bryce Golden led the way, scoring 14 points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Who’s Not?
Providence Friars, 7-6
The Friars went 1-1 on the week, losing to Florida 83-51 and defeating Texas 70-48. However, they are still sitting at the bottom of the standings in the conference with a record of 7-6.
Seton Hall Pirates, 8-4
The Pirates went 2-0 on the week, defeating Maryland 52-48 and Prairie View 75-55. However, they are still sitting in second to last place in the conference with a record of 8-4.
Top 5 player of the week honorable mentions
1. Mitch Balllock, Creighton
In wins over Oklahoma and Arizona State, Ballock averaged 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. He also shot 50% from the field and 47.1% from beyond the arc
Next game: vs Midland on Saturday, 12/28 at 6 PM on FS1
2. Omer Yurtseven, Georgetown
In wins over UMBC and Samford, he averaged 27 points, 15 rebounds and 3.5 blocks. He also scored a career high 32 points against Samford along with a career high 17 rebounds.
Next game: vs American on Saturday, 12/28 at 12 PM on FS1
3. LJ Figueroa, St. John’s
Figueroa was named game MVP of the Al Attles Classic with 21 points, four rebounds and three steals in a 70-67 win against No. 16 Arizona. He averaged 15.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in a 2-0 week
Next game: vs Butler on Tuesday, 12/31 at 7:30 PM on FS1
4. Quincy McKnight, Seton Hall
McKnight scored 17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and had a strong defensive effort in a 52-48 win over No. 7 Maryland. He also had 25 points in a victory against Prairie View A&M
Next game: at DePaul on Monday, 12/30 at 8:30 PM on FS1
5. Jermaine Samuels, Villanova
Samuels sank the game-winning 3-pointer with 15 seconds left that beat No. 1 Kansas 56-55. He also scored a team-high 15 points and grabbed 5 rebounds
Next game: vs Xavier on Monday, 12/20 at 6:30 PM on FS1