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Corey Sanders was rewarded with his best two game stretch of his young college career, as he was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week. This is the second time he received this honor this season.
Corey Sanders of @RutgersMBB claims second #B1GMBBall Freshman of the Week plaudit. #B1G pic.twitter.com/r7VL4Yrpbf
— Big Ten Men's Hoops (@B1GMBBall) February 8, 2016
In his two games against Illinois and Nebraska, Sanders averaged an eye popping 33.5 points, 8.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals. His 39 point performance against Illinois broke the program scoring record in a game by a freshman. His game tying three-pointer to send the game to double overtime was named the top play on SportsCenter for that day.
Corey Sanders game-tying 3-pointer in OT was the number one play on @SportsCenter! #ScTop10 #RHoops pic.twitter.com/vDbMjG9PHV
— Rutgers Basketball (@RutgersMBB) February 4, 2016
For a better angle and to see the entire team react to his buzzer beater, watch this clip too.
WOW! @RutgersMBB's Corey Sanders makes a game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime! #BTNStandout https://t.co/kGA4Bwwjb9
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 4, 2016
Rutgers legend Quincy Douby previously held the freshman record for most points in a game, with a 35 point performance in the 2004 NIT semifinals against Iowa State. Sanders had his first career double-double against Illinois and set new career highs in points, assists, rebounds, and minutes played. He followed up that performance by scoring 28 points on 12-20 shooting from the field against Nebraska. He also had 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals against the Cornhuskers.
Sanders is currently leading all Big Ten freshman in scoring with 15.9 points per game, and steals with 1.65 per game. He is also second in assists with 4.2 per game. For the entire conference, Sanders leads all players in steals and is ninth in both scoring and assists. Sanders leads Rutgers in minutes played, scoring, assists, steals, field goal makes, field goal attempts, free throw makes, free throw attempts, and three-pointers made. His continued improvement and recent stellar performances are the biggest reason Rutgers basketball fans should have hope for the future! Rutgers resumes their quest to end their current 26 game conference losing streak at home, Saturday at 4 pm, against Ohio State.