Redshirt freshman Aerial Powers was awarded Big Ten freshman of the week for the third time this season Monday afternoon. Senior Annalise Pickrel was also awarded as one of the three players to be recognized on the conference’s player of the week honor roll.

On Thursday, Powers recorded her fourth double-double of the season in MSU’s win over Nebraska. She had 17 points, 15 rebounds and three steals. She is now ranked seventh in MSU’s all-time most double-doubles as a freshman. In the win against Michigan on Sunday, Powers had 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals. She averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and 2.5 steals in 27.5 minutes this week.

Pickrel shot 52.6 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from the three-point line this week, averaging 16.5 points. As far as defense, Pickrel averaged eight rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 34 minutes. Pickrel recorded her second career double-double in the win over Minnesota with 17 points and 10 rebounds. In the big win against Michigan, she led the team’s offense with 16 points and a career-high eight assists. She also added six rebounds and two blocks.

The Spartans were fourth amongst teams outside the Top 25 in this week’s AP women’s basketball poll after receiving 17 votes.

MSU will take a trip to Iowa City, Iowa on Thursday to face the Hawkeyes (14-4). Then the Spartans will host Penn State (11-4) on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.

Sierra Williams is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports.

Photo: David Defever/Impact Sports