Kentucky Basketball: Monk Named SEC Player of the Week
Kentucky Basketball: Malik Monk named SEC Player of the Week after his record-setting performance in Las Vegas against North Carolina
Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) smiles after scoring a three point bucket during a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Freshman sensation Malik Monk has been named the SEC Player of the Week following his record-setting 47-point scoring night, including a contested go-ahead 3-pointer, in the win over North Carolina.
Monk’s night, a ridiculous scoring barrage in which the Tar Heels had no answer for the 6-3 guard from Lepanto, Ark., was the most in the SEC by a freshman since LSU’s Chris Jackson back in 1989.
Monk finished the game shooting 18-28 from the field, including a remarkable 8-12 from 3-point range, including two monster, contested shots from range int he final minutes. Monk tied the game, then hit the go-ahead shot, both rising, contested shots, after North Carolina surged ahead late in what was truly an instant classic matchup.
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While this was Monk’s most breathtaking performance to date, the freshman has led the Cats much of the way in this young season. With seven 20-point scoring performances, and double-figure scoring in every game this season, Monk has emerged as the most dependable, consistent scoring threat for the Cats.
