March 1, 2004

Columbia, Mo. - University of Missouri senior guard Rickey Paulding averaged 24.0 points per contest in two Tiger wins last week and was named the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Week for his efforts on Monday. The honor is voted on by a media panel from around the Big 12 Conference.

Paulding had an amazing week while leading Mizzou to wins over No. 6 Oklahoma State and at Kansas State. The Detroit, Mich., native averaged 24 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per contest. In the 93-92 double overtime win against Oklahoma State, Paulding scored a game-high 31 points. He knocked down 9-of-17 shots from the field, 5-of-6 three point attempts and hit 8-of-10 free throws against the Cowboys. He also pulled down six rebounds and played 45 of a possible 50 minutes in the contest.

Paulding was also phenomenal in the second half of the Tigers' win over Kansas State. After going 0-2 from the field and scoring no points in the first half, Paulding scored 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting including 4-of-6 shooting from three in the final period. He also pulled down three rebounds and handed out a game-high eight assists on the day.

Rickey has been red hot during the Tigers' six game winning streak, averaging 17.3 points and 4.5 assists per game while knocking down 51.6 percent (16-of-31) of his threes. Paulding ranks ninth on the Mizzou scoring charts with 1,618 points. He has led Mizzou in scoring in 10 games this year.

Paulding and the Tigers are currently in a tie for fourth place heading into the final week of the regular season at 15-10 overall and 9-5 in the Big 12. They travel to Texas Tech on Wednesday night for a battle with the No. 25 Red Raiders at the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock. For more information on Mizzou men's basketball, log on to www.mutigers.com.

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