Indiana's Mackenzie Mgbako Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana freshman Mackenzie Mgbako was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday.
Mgbako scored a career-high 22 points during Indiana's 85-70 home loss to Nebraska on Wednesday, when he shot 7-for-17 from the field, 2-for-8 on 3-point attempts and 6-for-7 at the free throw line. He also added seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Mgbako scored just seven points in Indiana's 83-74 loss at Penn State on Saturday, but his performance against Nebraska was enough to earn his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week award. He previously won the award on Jan. 2, following his 14-point performance during Indiana's 100-87 win over Kennesaw State on Dec. 29, when he made a season-high four 3-pointers.
For the season, Mgbako is averaging 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 39.5% from the field, 31.6% on 3-point attempts and 80.4% at the free throw line.
Indiana Hoosiers forward Mackenzie Mgbako (21) shoots the ball while Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Brice Williams (3) defends in the first half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Since the conference began handing out Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards in 2010-11, Mgbako is one of nine Hoosiers to earn multiple selections in a single season. He joins Cody Zeller (seven), Noah Vonleh (seven), Trayce Jackson-Davis (five), Jalen Hood-Schifino (four), Romeo Langford (three), Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell (two), James Blackmon Jr. (two) and Thomas Bryant (two).
Across 15 weeks, Iowa's Owen Freeman leads the conference with nine Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards won. Wisconsin's John Blackwell is next with three, followed by Mgbako with two and Minnesota's Cam Christie with one.
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