Ball State's Newell named POTW

On the heels of it's first Mid-American Conference win of the campaign, Ball State received more good news as one of its stars was honored by the MAC.

MUNCIE, Ind. -- Anthony Newell (Chicago, Ill./Simeon H.S.), a junior member of the Ball State men's basketball team, has been named the Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week for his effort in Sunday's win over Central Michigan.

The award is the second straight week a BSU player has earned the league's weekly honor, as fifth-year senior Peyton Stovall was the MAC Player of the Week last week.

"This is a great honor for Anthony, especially with him missing six weeks of action," said first-year BSU head coach Billy Taylor. "To see Anthony return to our team and play at such a high level, it's nice to see the MAC reward him for not only his individual effort, but also our team's success."

Newell posted team and game-highs with 19 points and 12 rebounds in the Cardinals' 82-71 win over Central Michigan. Newell was 8-for-11 from the floor, plus recorded three steals in 29 minutes of action.

In the three games since his return Dec. 31, Newell is averaging 19.7 points and nine rebounds per game. He is shooting 54 percent from the floor.

The MAC Player of the Week honor is the second in Newell's career and the 65th time in school history a BSU men's basketball player has earned the honor.