Tariq Francis Earns Third America East Rookie of the Week Honor

NJIT's Tariq Francis was named America East men's basketball Rookie of the Week for his performance in Saturday's 79-73 loss to visiting UAlbany in both teams conference openers.

Francis established a new career-high with 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting for the Highlanders. The freshman also dished out six assists to tie his previous career-best. 

The Highlanders have now accounted for six of nine America East Rookie of the Week Award honors this season as Francis' classmate Sebastian Robinson has also earned the honor three times. 

Francis is averaging 10.8ppg this season, which ranks third on the team and first among freshmen in the America East. Robinson's 8.8 is the second-best scoring average for a freshman in the conference. 

The Highlanders return to action on Thursday when they travel north to take on UMass Lowell in the first of two road games this weekend. NJIT and UML will tip-off at 6:30 on Thursday before the Highlanders wrap the week up with a 2 p.m. tip-off at Vermont on Saturday in Burlington.