Nevaeh Thomas named MVC Freshman of the Week

ST LOUIS — Freshman forward Nevaeh Thomas earned her first collegiate weekly honor on Tuesday morning.

After helping lead the Purple Aces to their first Missouri Valley Conference win of the season, forward Nevaeh Thomas has been named the MVC Freshman of the Week. Thomas is the third UE player to earn a weekly honor this season along with fellow freshman forward Maggie Hartwig and center Barbora Tomancova. Thomas is the first Evansville player to earn a weekly honor from the Valley during conference play after her performances on the road at UIC and Valparaiso.

Thomas was the Aces leader on both sides of the ball as the team picked up its first Valley win this weekend. Thomas was a force in the paint for the Aces, particularly against Valparaiso with 10 field goals matching up with the Beacons. The freshman also set a new career rebounding record on Sunday, pulling down 14 boards in 34 minutes of action.

Thomas picked up two double-doubles during UE’s road trip with 15 points and 11 rebounds against UIC and 23 points and 14 rebounds at Valpo. Thomas is now first in the Valley in rebounds per game, averaging 12.0 boards through 13 games this season. Overall, Thomas averaged 19 points, 12.5 rebounds, and two blocks for her career weekend.

Thomas has steadily improved her performance under the glass since returning from injury in mid-January leading the team in rebounding over the weekend. Thomas now has three double-doubles on the season to lead the Valley along with UNI’s Grace Boffeli and Drake’s Anna Miller.