NIU men’s basketball sophomore guard Makhai Valentine has been named the Northern Star’s Huskie of the Week following his career effort in NIU’s conference win over UMass on Saturday.
Valentine matched his career-high with 27 points as the Huskies defeated the Minutemen 70-68 on home court to earn their first victory of the new calendar year and nix a four-game losing streak. The Missouri State transfer shot 9-for-17 (52.9%) from the field, 4-for-9 (44.4%) from 3-point range and 5-for-6 (83.3%) from the free-throw line. He also added four rebounds and three assists.
Valentine earns the first Huskie of the Week honor of his career. He is the third NIU men’s basketball player to receive Huskie of the Week accolades this season, joining junior guard Jao Ituka (Nov. 10) and freshman guard Dylan Ducommun (Nov. 24).
The next Huskie of the Week will be announced Jan. 26.
The Northern Star sports section’s Huskie of the Week is voted for on a weekly basis. Student-athletes considered for this week’s edition were selected based on their performance in competitions taking place from Jan. 12 to Jan. 18.
