(Posted February 13, 2006)

Huntingdon, PA - Juniata College senior basketball player Tommy McConnell (Bishop Guilfoyle/Hollidaysburg has been selected to the MAC Honor Roll for his efforts this past week. Along with Players of the Week for both the Commonwealth and Freedom Conferences, the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Conference names three individuals to the MASCAC Honor Roll. It is the second time this season that McConnell has earned honor roll status and the fifth time that the honor has gone to a member of the Juniata men's basketball team.

McConnll produced a pair of strong all-around games for the Eagles this past week as he led Juniata down the final stretch of the regular season. He posted a team-high 24 points in a game against Lebanon Valley, which came after a 17-point effort earlier in the week against Elizabethtown. He was 12-0f-23 from the floor on the week, good for a .522 field-goal percentage while he also knocked down six three pointers. He drilled four triples against Lebanon Valley, which was a season high. He also dished out eight assists on the week, while adding three steals and a pair of rebounds.

McConnell is putting together his finest all-around season in his final campaign as he tries to lead Juniata to the postseason. He leads the team with 90 assists and 50 steals, while ranking fourth in scoring with an average of 9.4 points per game. He has already established a new personal single-season high with his 90 assists, and is just 19 points shy of posting a new career-best for points in a season. McConnell has been at his best in conference games as he raised his scoring average to 13.1 in conference outings, the highest average on the team. Fifty-one of his 90 assists have come in Juniata's 12 conference games. He has also been on a scoring tear over the final month of the season as he has reached double figures in points in eight of Juniata's last 10 games, including three efforts of 20 points or more. He ranks third in the conference in assists and is fourth among conference players in steals. McConnell ranks third in Juniata history in career assists, and holds the program record for career steals.

With McConnell playing a pivotal role Juniata has posted an overall record of 10-13 and is still fighting for a conference postseason berth. The Eagles are 5-7 in conference games, and are currently tied for fifth in the standings, one spot out of the postseason. Juniata returns to action Tuesday night with a game at conference rival Susquehanna.

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