By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech men's basketball guard Grant Strong was named Ohio Valley Conference co-Freshman of the Week Monday afternoon after erupting for a career showing in the Golden Eagles' victory over Kentucky Christian last Tuesday.
It marked Strong's second such honor of the season after claiming the award outright to open the 2022-23 campaign back in November. The local Celina native became the first Golden Eagle to be named Freshman of the Week multiple times since Jr. Clay during the 2018-19 season.
Strong dropped a season-high 22 points to lead all scorers in Tech's 104-72 victory over the Knights, finishing a wildly efficient 9-for-12 from the field and 4-for-4 from the charity stripe. He also dished out a season-best six assists while accounting for five rebounds and two steals in 29 minutes of action off the bench.
The Golden Eagle rookie shared the honor with Eastern Illinois freshman center Kyle Thomas, who scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench in the Panthers' massive upset over Iowa last week.
The purple and gold are set to return to action and kick off Ohio Valley Conference play Thursday, Dec. 29 with a trip to Edwardsville, Ill. Tech will square off with SIUE in a 7:30 p.m. CT affair as part of a doubleheader with the women's squad. A Saturday showdown at Lindenwood follows on Dec. 31, featuring a 3:30 p.m. tip.
Photo by Jim Dillon
