CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Illinois guard Keaton Wagler has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the conference announced Monday, marking the fifth time this season he has earned the weekly honor.
Wagler received the recognition following dominant performances in Illinois’ victories at No. 5 Nebraska and at home against Washington, as the Fighting Illini extended their Big Ten-leading winning streak to 11 games.
Over the two-game stretch, Wagler averaged 25 points, 6.5 assists, five rebounds, and two steals while shooting 50 percent from the field and better than 46 percent from three-point range. He also drew 22 fouls and posted a strong assist-to-turnover ratio.
In the road win at Nebraska, Wagler scored a game-high 28 points, including 23 in the second half, to help Illinois rally for a come-from-behind victory. He followed that performance with 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and two steals in the win over Washington.
The latest award is Wagler’s second consecutive freshman honor after he was previously named both Big Ten Freshman and Player of the Week following his record-setting performance at Purdue. His five freshman-of-the-week awards are the most by an Illinois player this season.
Illinois returns home Wednesday night to face Northwestern at State Farm Center, with tipoff set for 8 p.m. during the Hail to the Orange Out.
