Marquette’s Howard, Xavier’s Freemantle Earn #BIGEASTmbb Weekly Honors
NEW YORK – Marquette guard Markus Howard has been named BIG EAST Player of the Week and Xavier forward Zach Freemantle has been selected BIG EAST Freshman of the Week. Howard averaged 29.0 points in a 2-0 week and Freemantle also helped his team to a pair of wins as a top reserve for the Musketeers.
BIG EAST Player of the Week
Markus Howard, Marquette, G, Sr. – Howard averaged 29.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.0 steals in a 2-0 week. He also shot 11-of-21 (.524) from 3-point range. In an 82-68 victory against North Dakota State, the senior poured in 32 points for his fourth game with 30 or more points this season. He ranks second in the nation in scoring with a 25.9 average. It is Howard’s 11th career Player of the Week award, which is tied for first with Notre Dame’s Troy Murphy (1998-2001) and Villanova’s Kerry Kittles (1992-96).
BIG EAST Freshman of the Week
Zach Freemantle, Xavier, F, Fr. – Freemantle averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, shot 58.3 percent from the floor and 87.5 percent from the foul line in a 2-0 week for the Musketeers. In a 74-61 victory over Western Carolina, the freshman forward scored 13 points. Freemantle has been the first frontcourt player off the bench this season while averaging 6.9 points and 3.5 rebounds.
BIG EAST Honor Roll
Mitch Ballock, Creighton, G, Jr.
In wins over Oklahoma (83-73) and at Arizona State (67-60), averaged 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. Shot 50 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from 3-point range.
Omer Yurtseven, Georgetown, C, Jr.
Averaged 27.0 points, 15.0 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in wins against UMBC (81-55) and Samford (99-71). Had career highs of 32 points and 17 rebounds versus Samford.
L.J. Figueroa, St. John’s, G-F, Jr.
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. Averaged 15.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in a 2-0 week.
Quincy McKnight, Seton Hall, G, Sr.
Contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a strong defensive effort in a 52-48 win over No. 7 Maryland. Had 25 points in a victory against Prairie View A&M (75-55).
Jermaine Samuels, Villanova, F, Jr.
Sank the game-winning 3-pointer with 15 seconds left that beat No. 1 Kansas 56-55. Scored a team-high 15 points and grabbed five rebounds.