Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell's Mike Muscala Named Patriot League Rookie of Week
12/7/2009 7:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 7, 2009
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Bucknell freshman center Mike Muscala (Roseville, Minn./Roseville) has been named the Patriot League Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week after three strong performances last week. Muscala is the third different Bison to be nominated for the award already this season and the second to win it. Bryson Johnson captured rookie honors after the opening week of the campaign.
Muscala began the week with his best game in a Bucknell uniform to date. Against two-time defending Ivy League champion Cornell at Sojka Pavilion, he logged 20 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots. Muscala made 9 of 11 shots from the field, including his first career 3-pointer. He sparked a big 11-0 second-half run with a long jumper, a 3-point play and two blocked shots. That helped the Bison erase a 13-point deficit and force overtime, although the Big Red ultimately prevailed 104-98.
Two days later Muscala had another solid effort, making 7 of 9 shots from the floor en route to a 14-point, eight-rebound night in a loss at Binghamton. He also had six points and three rebounds in Sunday's loss to Boston University.
All told, Muscala averaged 13.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game last week and he shot 70.8 percent (17-24) from the field.
On the season, the rookie from Minnesota is playing just under 18 minutes per game while averaging 6.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. His 18 blocked shots are the most in the Patriot League.
Bucknell is now 4-6 on the season, and after playing three games in five days last week is now in an extended break for final exams. The Bison return to action on Dec. 19 at La Salle.
