Freshman guard Joey Miller earned his second career Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Week honor for his recent performance for the Eastern men’s basketball team.

In the team’s past two games, Miller combined for 36 points, with 24 points coming against conference opponent Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Miller’s 24-point performance against the Cougars was a career high for the 6-foot-3 guard from Charleston. To go along with his 24 points, Miller also recorded five assists and two steals in what would be a 73-59 win for the Panthers. Also in the game, Miller made eight of his nine free throws. Miller has a 82.5 percent free throw percentage on the year, while averaging 10.5 points per game.

In the team’s game against Houston Baptist, Miller was one of five Panther players to finish the game in double figures for scoring. Miller had 12 points in the Panthers’ 74-62 road win. Miller also has a total of nine steals and four blocks for the season. He has started in nine of the team’s 14 games this season.

Miller earned his first OVC Freshman of the Week on Nov. 26. He and the rest of the Panthers will be in action against Tennessee-Martin at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lantz Arena. The Panthers have an overall record of 8-6 so far this season, while also holding an even 1-1 record in OVC play. When at Lantz Arena, the Panthers are 5-1 this season.

Around the OVC

Junior guard Isaiah Canaan of Murray State was named OVC Player of the Week for his performance in the team’s wins over Eastern Kentucky and Austin Peay. In the two games, Canaan averaged 25.5 points, four assists and three rebounds. Murray State is currently ranked No. 14 in the nation, posting an undefeated record of 16-0, tying a school-best start.

Red-shirt sophomore forward Tyler Stone of Southeast Missouri was named OVC Newcomer of the Week. This is the fifth time Stone has earned the award, after averaging 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks over three games for the Redhawks. The OVC’s fourth ranked rebounder helped lead the Redhawks to wins over conference opponents Jacksonville State and Tennessee-Martin, but fell to Eastern Kentucky.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7942 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.