Jan. 5, 2009

CLEVELAND - The catalyst for a pair of Ohio University victories last week with a double-double in both contests, senior forward Jerome Tillman was named Mid-American Conference East Division Co-Player of the Week on Monday in an announcement by the league office.

Tillman (Beavercreek, Ohio) averaged 23.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, both team highs, last week as the Bobcats captured home victories over St. Francis (N.Y.) and Bucknell to improve their record to 7-6 heading into MAC play. The effort moved him into 16th place on the program's career scoring list with 1,319 points, while the pair of double-doubles increased his career total to 24 and left him just three away from tying former Ohio star Shaun Stonerook for the fourth-best total by a Bobcat since 1990.

He has scored in double figures in 18-consecutive games, and 21 of his last 22 outings overall, dating back to last season.

Tillman kicked off the week with 19 points and 12 rebounds in a 70-53 victory over St. Francis (N.Y.), shooting 6-of-8 from the floor and knocking down all six of his free throw attempts. In addition to his double-double against the Terriers, Tillman also dished out a season-high four assists and equaled his career best with four steals on the night.

Ohio returned to the court on Saturday to face Bucknell, and Tillman turned in a dominant performance, scoring a career-high 28 points and ripping down 15 boards - just two shy of matching his personal best - in an 85-67 triumph. Tillman was 10-of-16 from the field and 8-of-8 from the free throw line against the Bison, while also recording a trio of assists.

For the week, Tillman shot 66.7 percent (16-of-24) from the floor and a perfect 14-of-14 from the charity stripe. He was also active on the glass at both ends of the floor, collecting 11 of his 27 rebounds (40.7 percent) on the offensive end, including half of his dozen boards against St. Francis (N.Y.).

Ohio will kick off league play on Sunday when defending MAC regular season and tournament champion Kent State comes to town for a 2 p.m. ET tilt. The Bobcats lead the all-time series, 84-40, and have won four-straight MAC home openers. Pregame coverage will commence at 1:30 p.m. ET on the Citizens Bank Ohio ISP Sports Network.