SEMO's McGill tabbed OVC Freshman of the Week

Southeast Missouri State freshman guard Eric McGill was announced as the Ohio Valley Conference's Freshman of the Week on Monday afternoon.

McGill scored in double figures for the first time in his collegiate career, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting in Southeast's first win of the season at Missouri State. He also had five assists and three steals in the 78-74 victory on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-2 McGill followed that up with a career-high 15-point, six-assist performance in the Redhawks' 94-84 win against NAIA Harris-Stowe on Sunday. He shot 70 percent from the floor and also tied a career-high with four steals.

"I think the thing about Eric that's so refreshing is that he's just a basketball player," Southeast coach Rick Ray said following Sunday's win. "I don't think he's defined as being a point guard, defined as being a 2-guard, and I think he has a great deal of patience and understanding of the game of basketball for a guy that's a freshman.

"Really what we're asking him to do is unfair -- be the starting point guard, play 35 minutes a game and go out there and make plays for people. I just think he's mature beyond his age, and I think that's the biggest thing for him, which makes him such a good player right now."

The Redhawks open OVC action on Thursday, hosting Belmont at noon at the Show Me Center. They host Tennessee State at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday.

Austin Peay guard Josh Robinson was named the OVC's Player of the Week while Jacksonville State guard Greg Tucker -- a Charleston High School graduate -- and Morehead State forward DeJuan Marrero shared OVC Co-Newcomer of the Week honors.