Nov. 14, 2011

ST. LOUIS -- Missouri State junior guard Anthony Downing (Atchison, Kan.) was named Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week, the league announced late Monday (Nov. 14) for his performance in the Bears' season opener at Nevada.

Downing came off the bench to provide the Bears a needed second-half spark in their 22-point win last Friday at Nevada. He finished with 12 points, second only to teammate Caleb Patterson for game-high distinction. He was 5-for-10 shooting and 2-for-4 from three-point range. He also added 3 assists and 3 rebounds with no turnovers against the Wolf Pack and gave the Bears 27 minutes off the bench to make a solid impression in his Division I debut.

Downing is a transfer from Independence (Kan.) Community College. He is MSU's first MVC Newcomer of the Week since Adam Leonard won the award on March 1, 2010. Leonard won the honor three times in 2009-10, while fellow junior Jermaine Mallett earned it once that season for the maroon and white.

He and the Bears are prepping for a 7:05 p.m. game at Arkansas State on Tuesday before their home opener this Saturday night at JQH Arena. Saturday's game will be the Bears' MVC Championship ring and banner ceremony before the 7:05 p.m. tipoff against Emporia State.