Carbondale Reporter

Gift Uchenna, a player for the Southern Illinois University women's basketball team, has been recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Newcomer of the Week for the second time this season. The announcement was made by the league on Monday.

Uchenna's performance against Valparaiso on Sunday included scoring 21 points and securing 21 rebounds, with 11 being offensive rebounds, along with one block. This achievement earned her the weekly honor.

Her 21 rebounds tie for the second-highest number recorded by a Saluki in a single game in program history. The last occurrence of such a feat was by Dyana Pierre on November 21, 2015, against Tennessee State.

This marks Uchenna's third consecutive double-double and her sixth overall this year. Originating from Ebonyi State, Nigeria, she ranks second in NCAA rebounding with an average of 12.6 rebounds per game and leads in offensive rebounds per game at 6.0. Her six double-doubles place her tied for 17th nationally.

Previously, Uchenna received the MVC Newcomer of the Week accolade on November 18.

The Missouri Valley Conference Weekly Award Winners also include Katie Dinnebier from Drake as Player of the Week and Camryn Runner from Evansville as Freshman of the Week.

Fans can stay updated with Salukis news through their social media channels on Twitter (@SIU_WBasketball), Instagram (@SIU_WBasketball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics), or via the "Salukis" Mobile App available on both App Store and Google Play Store.