Markus Howard Big East Player of the Week

Marquette’s Howard, Creighton’s Ballock Earn MBB Weekly Honors

NEW YORK – Marquette guard Markus Howard has been named BIG EAST Player of the Week and Creighton guard Mitch Ballock has been chosen BIG EAST Freshman of the Week. Both players helped their teams to a pair of victories, which included a win over their prime in-state rival.

BIG EAST Player of the Week
Markus Howard, Marquette, G, So. – Howard averaged 28.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in two wins for the Golden Eagles. The sophomore scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds in an 82-63 victory at Wisconsin. Earlier in the week, Howard poured in 34 points in a 91-81 win against Vermont. For the two games, the 5-11 guard shot 52.6 percent from the field and was 10-of-20 from 3-point range. He leads the BIG EAST in scoring at 22.5 ppg. Off the court last week, Howard was named one of two student-athletes nationally to participate in the NCAA D-I Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee.

BIG EAST Freshman of the Week
Mitch Ballock, Creighton, G, Fr. – Ballock posted 13 points, six rebounds and four assists while helping Creighton rally past Nebraska 75-65. With Creighton trailing 33-28 at halftime, he scored 11 points in the second half to help push the Bluejays to the win. Earlier in the week, he registered six points, six assists and four rebounds in a 111-68 win against North Dakota. For the season, Ballock is averaging 8.7 points and 3.2 rebounds.

BIG EAST Honor Roll

Kelan Martin, Butler, F, Sr.
Had a season-high 29 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Utah (81-69). Averaged 22.0 points in a 2-0 week that included a win against Youngstown State (95-67).

Jessie Govan, Georgetown, C, Jr.
Averaged 23.0 points and 15.5 rebounds while shooting 64.2 percent from the field in wins over Howard (81-67) and North Carolina A&T (83-74).

Shamorie Ponds, St. John’s, G, So.
Averaged 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in a 1-1 week. Had 28 points in a win over Grand Canyon (68-60) and 19 points, seven boards and seven assists in a loss to No. 16 Arizona State (82-70).

Mikal Bridges, Villanova, G, Jr.
Averaged 19.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in a 2-0 week. Had 28 points and six rebounds in an 88-72 win over No. 12 Gonzaga and 10 points in a victory against La Salle (77-68).

Trevon Bluiett, Xavier, G, Sr.
Averaged 25.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in wins over Kent State (96-70) and Colorado (96-69). Shot 57.1 percent from the field, 46.7 percent from 3-point range and 92.3 percent from the foul line.


John Paquette | Sr. Associate Commissioner, Sports Media Relations

I know Georgetown hasn't played anyone, but interesting to see how good of a start Govan is off to with Ewing at the helm. Again, haven't played anyone yet, but it will be interesting to see if Ewing can get top ranked centers to come and play at Georgetown.