Tyler Brown's resurgence has been key to Illinois State's recent success. (Photo By B Corbin/WJBC)

By WJBC Staff

NORMAL - For the first time in his career, Illinois State senior guard Tyler Brown is the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday. It is the fourth Valley Player of the Week honor awarded to an Illinois State player this season, after Jackie Carmichael received the award three times.

Brown averaged a team-best 26.0 points, 7.0 assists and 2.5 steals, plus 3.5 rebounds to lead Illinois State to two road wins at Drake (Feb. 6) and at No. 16 Creighton (Feb. 9). Brown was 17-for-36 (47.2 percent) from the field, 5-for-14 (35.7 percent) from beyond the arc and 13-for-15 (86.7 percent) at the free throw in the two victories. He was the scoring leader in both games, and the Owensboro, Ky., native has led the Redbirds to wins in six out of their last seven contests.

While the MVC Player of the Week honor is the first of Brown's career, he was Valley Newcomer of the Week last year, on Jan. 23, 2012. Brown was also named one of 16 finalists Monday for the "State Farm Dark Horse Dunker" competition. Fans will determine the winner by voting during each round at the official Facebook page (facebook.com/CollegeSlam), or by clicking here.

Brown and the Redbirds will host rival Bradley this Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7:05 p.m., followed by Wichita State on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 7:05 p.m. Both games are available on WJBC AM 1230 and FM 93.7.