Thornton Named OVC Co-Newcomer of the Week

Courtesy TSU Sports Information

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State University's Kellen Thornton was named adidas® Ohio Valley Conference Co-Newcomer of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday.

The redshirt junior forward put together 11.0 points and 6.5 rebounds as TSU went 1-1 last week. The Chicago product led the Tigers with 14 points, grabbing six boards in the victory at Eastern Illinois. Against the Panthers, Thornton shot 5-of-7 from the field for 71 percent.

In the tough loss at Austin Peay, Thornton notched eight points and seven rebounds with a season-best three steals. On the season, Thornton is averaging 8.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest.

Thornton, a transfer from Illinois State, is the third Tiger to earn a weekly honor this season. Robert Covington was named OVC Player of the Week on Nov. 21, while Jordan Cyphers garnered Co-Newcomer of the Week accolades on Dec. 26. Thornton shared this week's award with Austin Peay's Jerome Clyburn.

Tennessee State (11-10, 4-4 OVC) returns to action on Thursday, Jan. 26 with a visit to UT Martin. The Tigers then return home for two games in three days with Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Jan. 28 and rival Austin Peay on Jan. 30.

By Tennessee State University Sports Information