Carbondale Reporter

For the third time this season, Gift Uchenna from Southern Illinois University's women's basketball team has been honored as the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week. The announcement was made by the league on Monday.

Uchenna's performance during SIU's two-game week against Indiana State and Evansville was notable. She averaged 23 points, 18 rebounds, and 5.5 blocks per game. During Southern's 63-58 victory at Indiana State on January 16, Uchenna scored 20 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, and made four blocks while shooting 53% from the field. Of her 11 rebounds in that game, six were offensive.

Continuing her impressive form, Uchenna recorded 26 points, 19 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks against Evansville on January 19. Her statistics place her second in the country for rebounding (13.4), first in offensive rebounding (5.7), tied for twelfth in blocks per game (2.4), and tied for tenth in double-doubles (10).

The junior had previously received this award on December 30 and November 18.

The Missouri Valley Conference also announced other weekly award winners: Ava Learn from Murray State as Player of the Week and Avery Kelley from Evansville as Freshman of the Week.

Fans can follow updates about the Salukis through their social media platforms or download their mobile app available on major app stores.