Malachi Moreno Earns SEC Freshman Honors

0:00On March 3rd, Kentucky men's basketball standout freshman Malachai Moreno earned SEC freshmen of the week honors on Monday. In recent wins over South Carolina and number 24 Vanderbilt, he averaged 9.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Moreno shot 66% from the floor, and nearly 90% from the free throw line. Despite nursing an ankle injury from the Auburn game, Moreno stepped up big on defense against the game cocks. He grabbed 11 rebounds and came just two points short of another double-double in conference play. His rim protection and key defensive boards helped secure that victory. Coach Mark Pope praised Moreno's smarts, curiosity and toughness after the game. The wildcats are now 10 wins and one loss when Moreno scores in double figures. He's also the first Kentucky freshmen since NBA star Shai Gilges, Alexander, to hit 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in multiple SEC, gangs.

1:02This is Moreno's first such award this season, in the third weekly conference honor for Kentucky overall. T-May Otega Oei has picked up SEC player of the week twice already. Kentucky heads to Texas A&M on Tuesday, March 3rd, for their final road game of the regular season. Tip off at Reed Arena is at 7 p.m., Eastern Time on ESPN 2, where Moreno could build on his momentum. On his momentum. On his momentum. On his momentum.