EIU Sweeps OVC Player of Week Awards

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Published on January 2 2019 6:11 am
Last Updated on January 2 2019 6:12 am

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Eastern Illinois wrapped up the non-conference portion of its men’s basketball schedule on Sunday with an 81-70 win over North Alabama.  On Monday the Panthers swept the weekly OVC Player of the Week awards with Mack Smith, Shareef Smith and Cam Burrell each collecting an honor.

Mack Smith was named the OVC Player of the Week after scoring a game high 21 points in the win over UNA.  Smith was 4-of-6 from 3-point range as he ranks sixth in the OVC in 3-pointers made.  He was 9-of-10 at the foul line including hitting six in the final 1:39 to help the Panthers ice the game.

Shareef Smith reached double figures for the third straight game as he finished with 20 points.  He connected on 5-of-9 from the field and made nine free throws going 9-of-11 at the stripe.  The junior transfer added six assists, four rebounds and two steals to win co-Newcomer of the Week honors.

Burrell was named the OVC Freshman of the Week after posting his first career double-double for the Panthers.  Burrell grabbed ten rebounds while scoring 11 points off the bench in the win over North Alabama.  He was 5-of-6 from the field and added one assist and one steal.

EIU opens Ohio Valley Conference play on Thursday night hosting UT Martin.  Game time is 7:30 p.m.  The game is EIU Panther Club Appreciation Night with all Panther Club members able to purchase $1 tickets by showing their Panther Club Card.