ST. LOUIS — Missouri State point guard Matthew Lee (Sr., San Juan, Puerto Rico) has been named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, the league announced Monday (Nov. 27).
In an incredible week, Missouri State’s multi-faceted star was named the Most Valuable Player of the US Virgin Islands Paradise Jam and then shattered his career scoring high in lifting the Bears to another unbeaten week in the club’s long-awaited return to Great Southern Bank Arena on Saturday.
Lee started the week on Nov. 20 by lifting Missouri State to an impressive 87-69 championship game win over Abilene Christian in the Paradise Jam, recording his third straight double-figure scoring game to cap a phenomenal tournament run with 10 points and 6 assists. He followed the performance in St. Thomas by posting 28 points in Missouri State’s 92-74 welcome-back game against South Carolina State on Nov. 25, knocking down four more 3-pointers to go with 7 assists and a sensational 14-of-16 performance at the foul line, the most FTs by a Bears’ guard since Blake Ahearn in 2007.
For the week, the senior standout shot 50 percent from the field, 86 percent from the line and 46 percent from 3-point range, while averaging a team-best 19.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.
Also recognized by The Valley this week are Evansville scoring sensation Ben Humrichous (Newcomer of the Week) and Valparaiso forward Cooper Schwieger (Freshman of the Week).
Lee is Missouri State’s first MVC Player of the Week since the 2021-22 season.
With Lee’s leadership, the Bears enter play this week riding a five-game win streak and are set to host unbeaten Evansville on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the MVC opener for both clubs.
