ST. LOUIS, Mo. – For the fourth time this season, junior Gift Uchenna of the Southern Illinois University women’s basketball team has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week, as announced by the league on Monday.
Uchenna earned the accolade after averaging 16.0 points, 16.5 rebounds, 5.5 offensive rebounds, and 3.0 blocks-per-game during Southern Illinois’ two-game week vs. Evansville and Indiana State. The junior tallied double doubles in both games and is fifth in the NCAA with 15 total.
In her first appearance of the week, Uchenna had her sixth 20-point game of the year while also tallying 19 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals against the Purple Aces. The forward also had six offensive rebounds, marking the 10th time this year she has had at least six offensive boards in a game.
On Sunday, Uchenna scored 12 points with 14 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal vs. Indiana State.
The Ebonyi State, Nigeria native most recently received the award on Jan. 20, and has also gotten it on Dec. 30 and Nov. 18
Missouri Valley Conference Weekly Award Winners
Player – Kendal Cheesman, Belmont
Newcomer – Gift Uchenna, Southern Illinois
Freshman – Lainie Douglas, Missouri State
