Taylor Manuel named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue's Taylor Manuel earned Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week honors by averaging a team-high 14.0 points in the last two games, wins at IPFW and Tennessee-Martin.

The freshman shot 71.4 percent from the field, and along with her 14 points averaged 3.5 rebounds in just 15 minutes per game.

The St. Louis, Mo., native scored 12 points in 12 minutes, connecting on 5-of-6 field goals in Purdue's 69-54 victory at IPFW. Manuel also hit 2-of-3 free throws, pulled down two rebounds, one assist, and a steal.

At UT Martin, the 6-foot-2 forward tied Sam Ostarello for team-high scoring honors with a season-high 16 points. She made 5-of-8 shots, 6-of-8 free throws, recorded five rebounds and two blocked shots in 18 minutes of action.

Manuel leads the Big Ten in field goal percentage, having hit 33-of-49 shots this season for 67.3 percent. She is averaging 8.9 points and 2.8 rebounds and is the first Boilermaker to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year since Courtney Moses was bestowed the honor Feb. 21, 2011.

No. 15/14 Purdue (9-1) will return to the hardwood after exams, traveling to Rochester, Mich., to face the Oakland Grizzlies on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. ET.