MVC Release

University of Evansville women’s basketball player Briyana Blair has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week, as announced by the league office today.

Blair averaged 12.5 points, leading Evansville to a 1-1 record on the week. The junior transfer from Miami (Fla.) scored 12 points in the Aces’ 60-54 win over Murray State. Blair hit 3-for-4 from the free throw line in the closing minutes to seal a 2-0 season start for UE, its best start since 2004.

In a tough 61-58 loss to Ball State, Blair led the squad with a career-high 13 points, four assists, and three steals. After the Cardinals went on a run, Blair knocked down a three to cut the Cardinals’ lead to three with just under three minutes to go, then completed a three-point play with a layup and free throw to put the Aces within one point with 37 seconds left. Unfortunately, Ball State hit a shot on the other end, and UE was unable to convert in the closing seconds. Blair leads the Aces with a .778 free throw percentage on the year.

The Aces compete in the Omni Hotels Classic in Boulder, Colorado this Friday and Saturday. UE will play Colorado on Friday at 8:30 CST and either Loyola or Eastern Washington on Saturday.