MSU's Keith Appling Named Co Big Ten Player of the Week

Illinois and Michigan State Claim Weekly Accolades

Leonard and Appling led teams to 2-0 records, including wins in Big Ten/ACC Challenge

Co-Players of the Week

Meyers Leonard, Illinois

C – So. – 7-1 –Robinson, Ill. – Robinson

·        Averaged 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks while shooting 75 percent from the floor in a pair of Illinois wins last week

·        Recorded 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting with six boards and a game-high three blocks in the Illini’s 71-62 win on the road against Maryland in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, helping the Big Ten to its third straight victory in the event

·        Tallied a game-high 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting with six boards in an 82-75 victory against No. 19/18 Gonzaga

·        Earns his first career weekly honor

·        Last Illinois Player of the Week: Demetri McCamey (Jan. 3, 2011)

 

Keith Appling, Michigan State

G – So. – 6-1 – Detroit, Mich. – Pershing

·        Averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 61.9 percent from the field, including 57.1 percent from 3-point range, and a perfect 7-for-7 at the free-throw line

·        Led all scorers with a career-high 24 points, adding seven rebounds and two blocks in the Spartans’ 65-49 win against Florida State in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, helping the Big Ten win the event, 8-4

·        Scored 13 points and recorded career highs with nine rebounds and seven assists in just 23 minutes of action in Michigan State’s 110-68 win over Nebraska-Omaha

·        Earns his first career weekly honor

·        Last Michigan State Player of the Week: Draymond Green (Jan. 17, 2011)