NEW YORK – Connecticut senior forward Alex Karaban has been named BIG EAST Player of the Week and freshman teammate Liam McNeeley has been named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week. Both played key roles in a 2-0 week for the Huskies. Karaban takes Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career. McNeeley garners Freshman of the Week honors for the third straight week.
BIG EAST Player of the Week
Alex Karaban, Connecticut, F, Sr.
Karaban helped lead the Huskies to a 2-0 week after averaging 20.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocked shots. In a 94-89 overtime win against Xavier, he scored seven of his 20 points in the extra period. In a 78-74 victory at Butler, he scored a game-high 21 points, including a pair of 3-pointers in the final 2:30 that helped lift UConn to the win. For the two contests, Karaban shot 41.2 percent from 3-point range.
BIG EAST Freshman of the Week
Liam McNeeley, UConn, F, Fr.
McNeeley takes Freshman honors for the third consecutive week and fourth time this season. He averaged 15.5 points, 5.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds in a 2-0 week. McNeeley scored all 14 of his points after halftime in a 94-89 overtime win against Xavier. In a 78-74 victory at Butler, the freshman posted 17 points, 10 assists five rebounds.
BIG EAST Honor Roll
Steven Ashworth, Creighton, G, Sr. – Averaged 20.5 points and 7.5 assists in a 1-1 week. Had 20 points and 11 assists in a win versus Villanova (86-79).
Jayden Epps, Georgetown, G, Jr. – Averaged 18.0 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals in a 2-0 week. Had 21 points in a win against Creighton (81-57).
Stevie Mitchell, Marquette, G, Sr. – Averaged 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals in a 2-0 week. Made 10-of-13 shots from the field.
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s, F, Jr. – In a 2-0 week, averaged 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. Scored at the buzzer in a win at Providence (72-70). Shot 57.1 percent from the field.
Eric Dixon, Villanova, F, Gr. – Averaged 26.0 points in a 1-1 week. Had 25 points and six rebounds in a win over Seton Hall (79-67).