By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter
Northern Kentucky University’s Drew McDonald has been named the Horizon League Player of the Week for his standout performances against Youngstown State and Cleveland State.
McDonald began the weekend with a 26-point, 16-rebound performance during NKU’s 95-85 victory at Youngstown State on Thursday night. He converted 9-of-11 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range. The Newport Central Catholic graduate also added three assists, three steals and two blocks in that win.
NKU’s Drew McDonald shoots against Cleveland State during the Norse’s 70-55 win on Jan. 15 at BB&T Arena. (Photo by Jeff McCurry)
For the week, McDonald averaged 22.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per outing. He shot 74 percent (17-for-23) from the floor and 50 percent (3-of-6) from 3-point range, while also averaging five assists.
This is the fourth player of the week honor McDonald has collected in his career. He earned the recognition three times last season en route to being named a first-team all-league performer. McDonald was voted the Horizon League’s preseason Player of the Year this fall.
McDonald is averaging 17.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, marks that rank sixth and second in the league, respectively. His numbers balloon to 18.2 points and 10.3 rebounds in the 12 league games, averages that rank third and first, respectively. McDonald has recorded a Horizon League-best 11 double-doubles this season and 27 in his career.
The Norse are 17-7 overall and are tied with Wright State atop the Horizon League standings with a 10-2 record.
NKU hosts Milwaukee at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at BB&T Arena. The contest is part of a doubleheader with the Norse women’s team, which plays Oakland at 5 p.m.
Contact Don Owen at don@nkytrib.com and follow him on Twitter at @dontribunesport
