(Editor’s note: Story by Montana Sports Information)
MISSOULA – To little surprise, Montana forward Jamar Akoh has been named this week’s Big Sky Conference Ready Nutrition Player of the Week. It is Montana’s second winner in the past three weeks, after going the first nine weeks without a selection.
Akoh was an obvious pick, not only leading Montana to a pair of victories – including on Saturday vs. previously first-place Weber State – but also dominating on the court, on both sides of the glass.
On offense, the senior averaged 23.5 points on .543 shooting. He was equally impressive on defense, though, averaging 13.5 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game. Akoh recorded double-doubles in both contests.
In the win over the Wildcats, Akoh scored 25 points, in addition to 10 rebounds and two steals. At one point during the second half, he scored 12 consecutive Griz points, turning a five-point lead into a 63-51 advantage with 9 minutes to play. In the first half, he was instrumental in Montana’s 20-0 run, recording four points, one rebound, one assist and one steal.
Two nights earlier, in a win over Idaho State, Akoh scored 22 points and pulled down 17 rebounds, also adding four steals. He was so dominant in the first half that he had already recorded a double-double by the 2-minute mark of the first half.
Despite an impressive non-conference record, going 7-4 against one of the nation’s toughest schedules, Montana struggled at times without its big man. Akoh missed seven of the Grizzlies’ first 10 games due to a wrist injury, and during that time Montana was out-rebounded seven times. Since his return, the Grizzlies have the league’s best rebounding margin.
This past week, 10 of his 27 rebounds came on the offensive glass.
This is Akoh’s second player-of-the-week honor, also being recognized last January after a 34-point performance vs. Northern Colorado. The senior is majoring in both marketing and management and a year ago earned All-Big Sky Conference recognition.
Entering play this week, Akoh leads the league with 2.0 steals per conference game. He ranks second for rebounding (10.1), fifth for scoring (17.7) and fifth for field-goal percentage (.570).
