Smith reached double figures in three out of four games
 ST LOUIS – Averaging 13.5 points in four games while setting his career mark with 24 points, Antoine Smith Jr. was recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week on Monday.
Smith averaged just 2.6 points per game over the first five games of the season, but in a 4-game week, he turned the corner to finish with an average of 13.5 points per game. His shooting was off the charts, hitting 59.4% of his field goal attempts, 11 out of 21 3-pointers (52.4%) and 81.8% from the line. Smith played an average of 36.2 minutes while chipping in 2.5 rebounds per game and a total of four assists.
He had one of the most efficient games that you will ever see to open the week against Rice. Smith was a perfect 9-of-9 from the floor and 6-for-6 from long range on his way to a career-high 24 points. In 40 minutes of work, he hauled in three rebounds while adding a steal. After finishing with 4 points and 3 caroms against Vermont, Smith had another nice game when the Aces squared off against Akron. He tallied 16 points while hitting 3 of his 6 long range tries. He capped the week off with 10 points, 2 assists and 2 boards in Sunday’s road win at Eastern Illinois.
Entering Wednesday’s MVC opener, Smith checks in with an average of 7.4 PPG while shooting 51.1% from the field.
