Bowling Green, KY – After an impressive showing on the defensive end during the Cumberlands Classic, Malachi Robinson has been named the Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Week, conference officials announced Monday afternoon. This marks the first MSC weekly honor of Robinson's career and the first Patriot this season to earn a conference player of the week recognition.

Robinson was a defensive force in UC's wins over WVU Tech and Indiana University Southeast, helping the Patriots improve to 5-0 on the year. Across the two games, the sophomore forward tallied five steals, four blocks, and five rebounds, using his length and timing to consistently disrupt opposing offenses.

In the Patriots' 102-75 win over WVU Tech, Robinson filled the stat sheet with three steals, two blocks, and three rebounds in just 15 minutes, sparking multiple UC transition opportunities and helping hold the Golden Bears to just 24 percent from three-point range. He followed that performance with another strong defensive outing against IU Southeast, recording two steals, two blocks, and a pair of rebounds while adding a highlight-reel fast-break dunk that fueled UC's momentum in the first half.

Robinson's defensive intensity helped the Patriots limit both opponents to under 42 percent shooting from the field and force a combined 45 turnovers over the two-day stretch.

Cumberlands (5-0) will return to action on Monday, November 10, when they travel to Johnson University (Tenn.) for a 7:30 PM matchup in Knoxville.

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