IRVING, Texas — After back-to-back 20-point performances, BYU guard Olivia Hamlin was named Big 12 Freshman of the Week, the conference announced Monday.
Hamlin led all Big 12 freshmen last week in points (42), field goals made (16), 3-point field goals (4), free throws (6), steals (6) and minutes played (65), helping BYU secure two wins to close an 11-1 non-conference slate.
"Olivia had a great week and really competed at a high level," head coach Lee Cummard said. "Liv is at her best when she is playing instinctually on both sides of the ball. She was aggressive both offensively and defensively this week, and we need her to continue to do that to help our team be successful."
The Santa Clara, Utah, native anchored the Cougars in victories over Idaho State and UTEP, leading BYU in scoring in both games. Hamlin averaged 21 points per game while shooting 50 percent from the field, along with 3.0 steals and 2.0 assists per contest.
With BYU’s offense struggling in the first half against Idaho State, Hamlin kept the Cougars within striking distance by recording 11 points, two assists and four steals before the break. She finished with a game-high 22 points on 47.4-percent shooting, adding five steals, three assists and one rebound in the nine-point win.
Hamlin followed with another strong performance Saturday against UTEP, scoring 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including a career-best 4-of-7 from 3-point range. She also contributed a block, steal and rebound in the victory.
In the absence of Delaney Gibb, Hamlin has taken on an expanded role, averaging 29.9 minutes over the final eight non-conference games. She ranks second on the team in scoring at 12.8 points per game while shooting 38.5 percent from the field, and is averaging 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals.
Hamlin and the Cougars open conference play on Saturday, Dec. 20, as they travel to Orlando for a Saturday matinee against the UCF Knights. The game will tip at 12 p.m. MT and will be streamed on ESPN+. Fans can also tune in for live play-by-play with Jason Shepherd on BYU Radio 107.9, byuradio.org and the BYU Radio App.