NEW YORK – Villanova guard Collin Gillespie has been named BIG EAST Player of the Week and Butler guard Simas Lukosius has been selected BIG EAST Freshman of the Week. Gillespie led the Wildcats to wins against two top-20 opponents and Lukosius' clutch performance helped carry the Bulldogs to a league victory.    

BIG EAST Player of the Week

Collin Gillespie, Villanova, G, Gr. – Gillespie led the Wildcats to two wins against ranked league foes. This past Saturday, he had a team-high 21 points and four rebounds in a 73-67 win at No. 15 Seton Hall. On Dec. 21, he registered 15 points and four assists in a 71-58 come-from-behind victory over then-No. 18 Xavier. For the season, Gillespie ranks second in the league in 3-pointers made (42), third in assist/turnover ratio (2.2) and third in free throw shooting (.865).  

BIG EAST Freshman of the Week

Simas Lukosius, Butler, G-F, Fr. – Lukosius was a key contributor in Butler's 63-59 win against DePaul on Dec. 29. He scored 13 points in the first half to help the Bulldogs gain a 37-26 halftime lead and made two free throws with four seconds left to ensure a Butler victory. The 6-6 freshman from Vilnius, Lithuania, also had four rebounds.

BIG EAST Honor Roll

Tyrese Martin, Connecticut, G, Sr. – Scored a career-high 25 points and grabbed six rebounds in a victory at Marquette (78-70). 

R.J. Cole, Connecticut, G, Gr. – Had 20 points, seven assists and two steals in a win at Marquette (78-70).  

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton, C, So. – Had his first career double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds in a double-overtime win at Marquette (75-69). Also had four blocked shots.

Noah Horchler, Providence, F, Gr. – Averaged 14.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in two victories. Had 17 points and 13 rebounds in a win against Seton Hall (70-65). In a victory at DePaul (70-53), posted 11 points and eight boards.

Justin Moore, Villanova, G, Jr. – Averaged 15.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in two wins. Had a game-high 17 points in a victory over Xavier (71-58).