Gophers Murphy Named B1G Freshman of the Week

After a pair of double-double performances this past week, Minnesota forward Jordan Murphy has been recognized by the Big Ten Conference as its Freshman of the Week. It is his first weekly honor, and the second of the season for the Gophers after senior Joey King was named the Co-Player of the Week on Nov. 16.

Murphy began the week with a dominating performance in the win over Clemson, tallying 24 points and 10 rebounds along with two blocks, two steals and an assist against the Tigers. He became the first Gopher freshman since Kris Humphries in 2003-04 to post a double-double, along with scoring the highest point total by a Minnesota freshman since Andre Hollins in 2012.

The San Antonio, Texas native followed that up with another double-double, scoring 19 points and 17 rebounds along with three assists and two steals in the double-overtime loss to South Dakota. In that game, Murphy tipped in the game-tying basket at the end of regulation to force the first extra period.

He finished the week shooting 55.6 percent from the field (15-27), and extended his double-figure scoring streak to three games. Murphy ranks fourth among conference freshman in scoring (10.5 ppg) and third in rebounding (7.5 rpg).

Murphy is the first freshman of the week for the Gophers since Nate Mason earned the honor last season on Dec. 22, and just the third in program history.

The Gophers return to the court Tuesday, hosting South Dakota State at 7 p.m.