ST. LOUIS – Abi Jackson of Missouri State women’s basketball was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week for her performances against Evansville and Indiana State, the league announced today.
Jackson paced Missouri State this weekend by averaging 22.5 ppg, while shooting 52 percent (17-for-33) from the field and 92 percent (11-for-12) from the free throw line across two MSU victories. She also pulled down 5.5 rpg and blocked a team-leading four shots as the Lady Bears defeated Evansville and Indiana State.
On Thursday night against Evansville, Jackson scored a career high 31 points on 13-for-22 shooting from the field against the Purple Aces in just 27 minutes on the floor. Her 31 points were the most by a Lady Bear since January 19, 2018. Of Jackson’s 31 points, 20 of them came in the first half, as she also became the first Lady Bear with 20 or more points in a half since March 1, 2018. Jackson was 5-for-6 from the charity stripe, grabbed eight rebounds, blocked three shots and had one steal as Missouri State scored a season-high 99 points as they defeated Evansville.
On Saturday afternoon against Indiana State, Jackson dropped 14 points, marking her sixth consecutive game with 14 or more points. Jackson was perfect (6-for-6) from the free throw line, while grabbing three rebounds and blocking a shot against the Sycamores. Jackson continues to lead MSU in conference play with 16.1 ppg and 7.0 rpg, and ranks 4th in the MVC in both scoring and rebounding in conference-only games.
This marks Jackson’s first MVC Player of the Week honor.
Missouri State will close out the regular season on the road this week. The Lady Bears take on Valparaiso on Thursday, March 3 with first tip set for 6 p.m.
