Player of the Week
Cam Spencer (UConn)
Cam Spencer had one of the more consistent weeks for UConn as it extended its win streak to 11. Spencer had 23 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals on Saturday against St. John’s. On Wednesday against Butler, the senior guard followed up the performance with 20 points and four rebounds. Spencer shot over 50 percent from the field in each of the two games, and notched five threes against the Red Storm and four against the Bulldogs. The Davidsonville, Maryland, native has shot well this year with a mark of 48.8 percent from the field. Along with this, Spencer is averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists, contributing on a nightly basis for the nations top-team.
Who’s Hot
Josh Oduro (Providence)
Josh Oduro exploded in the upset victory over No. 19 Creighton for Providence. Oduro scored 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the overtime victory, shooting 50 percent from the field in the process. Oduro has now scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games, and his rebounding for the Friars has been stellar as well. Against Villanova, the senior grabbed 12 rebounds and went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. Oduro is averaging 15.9 points and 7.3 rebounds — being a key piece for a Providence team that needs all the help it can get on the glass. Oduro will have to continue his dominant rebounding and abundant scoring nights if the Friars want to compete in the Big East Tournament.
Tyler Kolek (Marquette)
Just as Marquette, Tyler Kolek has been surging as of late during the team’s win streak. Kolek dropped a career-best 32 points in the win over Villanova including five threes, six rebounds and nine assists. The senior kept his playmaking abilities going strong on Saturday against Georgetown, scoring 17 points and dropping eight assists for the Golden Eagles. Kolek has been a key piece for his squad throughout the year, averaging 15.1 points and 7.2 assists — which is good for sixth-highest in the country. As a leader of Maruquette, Kolek will need to continue to play at a high rate as his squad chases UConn atop the Big East standings.
Who’s Not
Mason Miller (Creighton)
Despite being a continuous starter for Creighton, Mason Miller has essentially been a non-factor as of late. In his last three games, Miller hasn’t scored a point or taken more than three shots. While the playing time may be low, it might be for good reason due to the lacking stat lines. Miller averages 6 points and four rebounds on the year, but has combined for just two boards in his last two games. As a starter and a 6-foot-9 forward, Miller should bring more rebounds down, and contribute more offensively if he wants to see an increase in minutes and help a Creighton that has lost its last two games.
Georgetown
Georgetown is struggling from all aspects. Whether its coach Ed Cooley losing his cool with fans from opposing schools, or the seven-straight losses, this season seems to be a lost cause. The Hoyas are only a game and a half ahead of Depaul in the conference standings, which says a lot considering the Blue Demons haven’t won a Big East game this year. Sitting at 8-14 overall, Georgetown struggles to score over 70 points per game. Following the loss to Seton Hall on Wednesday, the Hoyas sit with just one win in conference play. The road ahead doesn’t look much brighter either, as they have a date with No. 1 UConn on Saturday.
Top 5 Highest Win Streak
1. UConn Huskies – 11
The Huskies have been on cruise control as of late, and with matchups against Georgetown and Depual upcoming, it doesn’t look like the streak will be ending just yet.
2. Marquette Golden Eagles – 6
Marquette has been playing up to its standards as of late, even more impressively, four of its six wins in a row have come on the road.
3. Xavier Musketeers – 3
Xavier has been climbing its way up the Big East standings as of late, and picked up a big victory over Villanova on Wednesday. Look out for the Musketeers as a sleeper team come conference tournament time.
4. Seton Hall Pirate – 2
Seton Hall sits at third in the conference standings and ended its three-game losing streak with a pair of victories over Depaul and Georgetown.
5. St. John’s/Providence – 1
While it might not be a streak, St. John’s and Providence both ended two-game losing streaks to get back into the win column this week.