Southern Illinoise University Athletics
News | Uchenna Named Valley Newcomer of the Week for Third Time
01/20/2025 | 3:00:00 | Women's Basketball
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - For the third time this season, Gift Uchenna of the Southern Illinois University women's basketball team has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week, as revealed by the league on Monday.
Uchenna averaged 23.0 points, 18.0 rebounds, and 5.5 blocks-per-game during SIU's two-game week at Indiana State and Evansville. The junior had a pair of double doubles during the week.
In Southern's 63-58 win at Indiana State on Thursday, Jan. 16, Uchenna had 20 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks while shooting 9-of-17 (53%) from the field. Six of the junior's 11 rebounds were of the offensive variety.
The Ebonyi State, Nigeria native followed this performance up with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks on Sunday, Jan. 19, at Evansville.
Uchenna is second in the country in rebounding (13.4), first in offensive rebounding (5.7), is tied for 12th in blocks-per-game (2.4), and is tied for 10th in double doubles (10).
The junior also received the award on Dec. 30 and Nov. 18.
Missouri Valley Conference Weekly Award Winners
Player – Ava Learn, Murray State
Newcomer – Gift Uchenna, Southern Illinois
Freshman – Avery Kelley, Evansville
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_WBasketball, on Instagram at @SIU_WBasketball, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Uchenna averaged 23.0 points, 18.0 rebounds, and 5.5 blocks-per-game during SIU's two-game week at Indiana State and Evansville. The junior had a pair of double doubles during the week.
In Southern's 63-58 win at Indiana State on Thursday, Jan. 16, Uchenna had 20 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks while shooting 9-of-17 (53%) from the field. Six of the junior's 11 rebounds were of the offensive variety.
The Ebonyi State, Nigeria native followed this performance up with 26 points, 19 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks on Sunday, Jan. 19, at Evansville.
Uchenna is second in the country in rebounding (13.4), first in offensive rebounding (5.7), is tied for 12th in blocks-per-game (2.4), and is tied for 10th in double doubles (10).
The junior also received the award on Dec. 30 and Nov. 18.
Missouri Valley Conference Weekly Award Winners
Player – Ava Learn, Murray State
Newcomer – Gift Uchenna, Southern Illinois
Freshman – Avery Kelley, Evansville
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_WBasketball, on Instagram at @SIU_WBasketball, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiAthletics. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
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