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CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois guard Keaton Wagler (Shawnee, Kansas) is Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week, the conference office announced Monday. Wagler shares the award with Washington’s Hannes Steinbach.
Keaton Wagler Highlights (Dec. 22-Jan. 4)
• Averaged 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.3 steals over the last two weeks, leading the Illini to three straight wins.
• Shot 53.6% from the field, 46.7% from 3-point range and 80% from the free throw line.
• Game-high 22 points with eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals in 43-point Braggin’ Rights victory over Missouri, the largest win in series history. Made career-high five three-pointers in six attempts vs. Mizzou.
• Second career double-double in win over Southern with 11 points and career-high tying 10 assists, to go along with seven rebounds and two steals.
• 16 points, three rebounds and three assists and was game-high +17 in road win over Penn State at The Palestra, despite playing only 20 minutes due to foul trouble.
This marks the fourth time in eight selections this season that an Illini has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Wagler now has two accolades, joining two awards for teammate David Mirkovic.
Wagler and the No. 16 Fighting Illini return to action Thursday night, hosting Rutgers at 7:30 p.m. at State Farm Center. Tickets are available online at FightingIllini.com.