BOWLING GREEN, KY – After a dominant defensive week that helped lead the No. 10 Patriots to three consecutive victories, Malachi Robinson has been named the Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Week, conference officials announced Monday afternoon. Robinson earns the honor for the third time in his career after receiving the award twice during his freshman campaign last season.

Robinson was a force on the defensive end throughout the week, totaling 17 rebounds, seven steals, and five blocks while adding 20 points and 10 assists. The sophomore forward helped Cumberlands secure a 76-66 victory over No. 21 Pikeville before sweeping the Campbellsville Classic with wins over IU Southeast and Goshen.

The Birmingham, AL native opened the week with his most impressive defensive performance against No. 21 Pikeville, recording nine rebounds, four blocks, and four steals while adding 10 points. Robinson played a crucial role in the Patriots' second-half comeback, helping UC overcome a seven-point deficit before holding the Bears scoreless over the final five minutes. His defensive presence helped limit Pikeville to just 35.9% shooting from the field as Cumberlands secured its first ranked victory of the season.

Robinson continued his strong play at the Campbellsville Classic, recording six rebounds and three steals in UC's 92-57 win over IU Southeast on Friday. The 6-8 forward also dished out a career-high eight assists while helping the Patriots hold the Grenadiers to just 27.7% shooting from the field. He followed with two rebounds and a block against Goshen on Saturday as UC completed a perfect 3-0 week and improved to 5-0 on the season.

Robinson earns his first MSC Defensive Player of the Week honor of the 2026-27 season and the third of his collegiate career. The Patriots return to action Tuesday, November 10, when they welcome Johnson University to the O. Wayne Rollins Center and Randy Vernon Court in Williamsburg. Tip-off is set for 7 PM ET.

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