The University of Akron Athletics
Middleton Named MAC East Player of the Week
December 03 | Men's Basketball
CLEVELAND – University of Akron senior guard Cedrick Middleton (Chicago Heights, Ill./Marian Catholic HS/Brewster Academy [N.H.])was named Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday. This is the first time Middleton has earned the award, and he is also the first Zips men's basketball player to receive the honor this season.
As a starter in Akron's wins over Temple (Nov. 26) and Wyoming (Dec. 1) this past week, Middleton averaged 20.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists, while combining to shoot 61 percent (11-of-18) from the field, 58 percent (7-of-12) from 3-point range and 85 percent (11-of-13) from the free throw line. He notched a season-high in points in each contest, scoring 17 versus Temple and topping that with 23 (two away from tying a career high) against Wyoming. Against the Owls he had a season-high-tying six rebounds, and versus the Cowboys he registered a career-best five steals.
Middleton, who was last season's MAC Sixth Man of the Year, is UA's third-leading scorer (12.5 ppg) this season and has taken on the new role of starter. He also leads the club in 3-point field goal percentage (44.4 percent/12-of-27) and steals (10/1.7 spg).
Toledo's Tyrone Kent was named the West Division Player of the Week.
Akron (5-1) looks to extend a four-game win streak on Tuesday when it travels to Winthrop (4-3) for a 7 p.m. EST match-up. Located in Rock Hill, S.C., the Eagles have been Big South Conference champions and NCAA Tournament participants each of the last three seasons.
