Columbia, Mo. -- Missouri junior forward Ricardo Ratliffe was named the Big 12 Conference Rookie of the Week on Monday after leading the Tigers to a 3-0 record and the 2010 Cancun Challenge tournament title.
A junior college transfer from Central Florida Community College, Ratliffe averaged a double-double for the Tigers last week, logging 10.7 points and a team-leading 12.0 rebounds in wins against Wyoming, La Salle and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward also dished five assists in three wins, including a career high three dimes vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sunday.
Ratliffe opened the week with eight points and 12 rebounds in the 72-62 win against Wyoming. He hit 4-of-8 shots from the floor in 24 minutes, while grabbing a game high 12 rebounds. Ratliffe continued his strong play vs. La Salle a day later, scoring 14 points, while grabbing a season high 14 rebounds in just 21 minutes. He also held La Salle star Aaric Murray to a season low nine points in the contest.
The week was concluded with his second consecutive double-double, a 10-point and 10-rebound afternoon vs. Pine Bluff in the 28-point Tiger win.
#11 Mizzou returns to action on Tuesday evening vs. #16 Georgetown. The game is being played at Sprint Center in Kansas City and game time is slated for 8 p.m.
