Villanova’s Brunson, Spellman Take MBB Weekly Honors

– Villanova guard Jalen Brunson and forward Omari Spellman were honored as BIG EAST Player of the Week and BIG EAST Freshman of the Week for their performances in an 87-67 victory at Temple, the only Wildcats’ game of the week. Each player set individual career scoring highs in the contest. Brunson is the Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year and Spellman is the Preseason BIG EAST Freshman of the Year.– Brunson scored a career-high 31 points in the win at Temple. He made 11-of-16 shots from the field, including 6-of-10 from 3-point range. Brunson also found time to grab six rebounds and dish five assists. He did not commit a turnover in 38 minutes of play. For the season, Brunson is averaging 18.5 points and 4.8 assists. His 3-point shooting mark of 53.5 percent and his assist/turnover ratio of +4.1 lead the BIG EAST.Spellman notched a collegiate scoring high with 27 points and pulled down a game-high eight rebounds in only 28 minutes of playing time in the victory at Temple. He shot 11-of-14 from the floor and 4-of-7 from 3-point range. For the season, Spellman is averaging 10.6 points and a team-high 7.5 rebounds. He has earned conference freshman honors three times this season.Averaged 23.5 points while shooting 16-of-29 (.552) from the field and 8-of-18 (.444) from 3-point range in a 1-1 week. Had 33 points in a loss to local foe Northwestern (62-60).Posted 21 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots in an 86-79 overtime loss to Syracuse.Had 14 of his game-high 16 points in the second half of a 69-59 win over Iona. Had five rebounds and four steals.Averaged 12.5 points and 16.0 rebounds in a 1-1 week. Had 18 points and 11 boards in a win over Saint Peter’s (84-61) and seven points and 21 rebounds in loss at Rutgers (71-65).Made the winning basket with six seconds left against East Tennessee State (68-66). Scored 13 of his team-high 18 points in the second half rally that overcame a 22-point deficit.