EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana senior forward Jacob Polakovich (Grand Rapids, Michigan) was named co-Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week for the second-straight week after his efforts the Screaming Eagles’ home win over Eastern Illinois University and overtime loss at the University of Tennessee at Martin. The OVC honor is the third for Polakovich and the fifth this season for the Eagles as a program.
Polakovich started the week by overpowering EIU in the lane, grabbing 24 rebounds and posting 16 points in the 78-74 victory at Screaming Eagles Arena. The 20-20 game was his second of the season.
The senior forward finished the week with a 12-point, 20-rebound performance in the 86-83 overtime loss at UT Martin. The double-double was his 10th of the season and his 14th double-digit rebound game. The 20-rebound contest was his third-straight and his fourth game of 20-or-more rebounds this season.
The 10 double-doubles this season are six behind the USI single-season record of 16 set by Chris Thompson in the 2005-06 season.
For the week, Polakovich averaged 16.0 points and 22.0 rebounds per game. He shot 48.1 percent from the field (13-27) and averaged 13 defensive rebounds per contest.
This season, Polakovich averaging a double-double with 12.3 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. He also leads the OVC and ranks second nationally in rebounds per game, while ranking for 14th nationally in double-doubles.
The OVC honor was shared this week with UT Martin’s senior guard Mark Freeman. Freeman averaged 26.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Polakovich and the Eagles resume OVC action Thursday when they host Tennessee State University at Screaming Eagles Arena. The game is slated for a 7:30 p.m. tip, streaming on ESPN+ and airing on ESPN 97.7FM and 95.7FM The Spin.
