Valparaiso University men's basketball freshman Justus McNair (Joliet, Ill. / Joliet West) was recognized by the Missouri Valley Conference as the league's Freshman of the Week on Tuesday.
 
McNair averaged 9.5 points per game over two wins this past week while shooting at a 54.5 percent clip (6-of-11), going 5-of-8 from 3 (62.5 percent) and making both of his free-throw attempts. His biggest showing came in Sunday's lopsided win over Eastern Illinois as he poured in 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting including four made 3s. His contributions helped Valpo go 2-0 this week with wins over Lindenwood and Eastern Illinois.
 
This marks the team's first weekly award from the league office this season. Valpo has had a propensity for earning Freshman of the Week honors during Roger Powell Jr.'s head coaching regime, as this marks the seventh time a Valpo rookie has earned that award since the start of last season.
 
The Beacons will look to extend their winning streak to three on Wednesday, when they host Northern Illinois at 3 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Tickets are available on tickets.valpoathletics.com.