Malik Dia Named MVC Newcomer of the Week

ST. LOUIS - - Belmont University men's basketball forward Malik Dia has been Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Newcomer of the Week, the league office announced Monday.
 
Dia averaged 18.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 54 percent shooting as Belmont defeated Lipscomb and Middle Tennessee to improve to 8-3.
 
The 6-9 forward recorded his ninth double figure scoring game - and fourth game of 20+ points - with 22 points and four rebounds at Middle Tennessee. He had 15 points and four rebounds vs. Lipscomb.
 
During Belmont's win streak, Dia is averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game on 58 percent shooting.
 
Dia ranks among MVC leaders in four statistical categories.
 
Belmont returns to game action Dec. 16 at Samford.
 
Belmont season tickets, which include the entire men's and women's basketball home schedule, are on sale now at BelmontBruins.com/Tickets, in addition to Puckett's flex packs, single-game tickets and group experiences. Fans can also call or text 615.460.BALL (2255).

To become a Bruin Club member, contact Russell Grimm at (615) 460-5668 or russell.grimm@belmont.edu.

Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
 
Belmont University men's basketball has been a postseason fixture the last two decades, including nine berths to the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins have won 20 conference championships since 2006 - third-most nationally over that span (Gonzaga, Kansas). Belmont has won 20 or more games in 13 consecutive seasons (Gonzaga, Kansas, Oregon) and 19 or game games in 18 consecutive seasons (Gonzaga, Kansas, San Diego State). Belmont is among select programs with two or more first-round selections in the NBA Draft over the last five years (Ben Sheppard, Dylan Windler). Belmont University men's basketball boasts an NCAA-leading 19 CoSIDA Academic All-America selections since 2001 and is the only NCAA Division I program to make the NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) Honor Roll every year of existence