University of Evansville’s D.J. Balentine Earns Second Player of the Week Award

A season-high total of 32 points against Coppin State clinched the second Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week award this season for D.J. Balentine on Tuesday afternoon.

In Evansville’s only game of the week, Balentine scored a season-high 32 points as the Purple Aces improved to 10-2 with an 85-80 win over Coppin State. Playing with extra motivation after the loss of his grandmother, Balentine came out on fire against the Eagles.

He knocked down his first five shots while scoring 20 points in the first half. Twelve more tallies in the second half saw him set his mark for the year with 32. He finished the day 10-of-18 from the field while knocking down three triples and 9 out of 11 free throws.

This marks the second weekly award for Balentine this season. He also garnered the honor on December 8. As a whole, the Aces have won three of the last four MVC Player of the Week awards.

Evansville begins conference play on Thursday against #23 UNI. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Carson Center, Ford Center, online at TicketMaster.com or by calling 812-488-ACES.

From University of Evansville Sports Information Director Bob Pristash