Carbondale Reporter

Gift Uchenna, a member of the Southern Illinois University women's basketball team, has been recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week. The announcement was made by the league on Monday.

In a recent game against IU Indy, Uchenna delivered an impressive performance with 34 points from 13-of-20 field goals, alongside 17 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. This contribution helped SIU secure an 85-80 victory. Her scoring feat ranks tied for sixth in single-game history for the program.

Her achievement also includes making the most field goals in a game by any player in the conference this season and recording the second-highest number of rebounds. Notably, her double-double marks SIU's first of the 2024-25 season.

Before this standout performance, Uchenna scored 16 points within just 16 minutes during a home game against the University of Louisiana Monroe on November 13. She also added five rebounds, two blocks, and two steals to her record that day.

Over these two games combined, Uchenna shot an impressive .645 from the field.

The Southern Illinois team is scheduled to play next against Southeast Missouri State on Monday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m.

For more updates on Southern Illinois University's women's basketball team, fans can follow their social media accounts or download their mobile app available on major platforms.