Riley Earns Second Big Ten Freshman of The Week Nod

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois forward Will Riley is Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

  • Riley led the Illini in a pair of games last week, averaging 20.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field, including 45.5% from 3-point range.
  • Scored team-high 24 points in the comeback win over Ohio State, making 7-9 shots and a career-high nine free throws on 12 attempts, along with three rebounds.
  • His 24 points tie the most by a freshman off the bench in a conference game this season.
  • Scored 20 of his 24 in the second half, as Illinois overcame an 11-point deficit against the Buckeyes to storm back for the win.
  • Opened the week with 16 points while knocking a game-high four 3-pointers and had four rebounds at Nebraska.
  • Scored 13 consecutive points for the Illini during the second-half comeback in Lincoln, helping push the game into overtime.

Riley earns his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week award to go along with recognition following the opening week of the season when he broke the Illini freshman debut scoring record with 31 points vs. Eastern Illinois.

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