Maryland basketball’s Bruno Fernando wins Big Ten Freshman of the Week

Freshman center Bruno Fernando had a big week for Maryland basketball and was rewarded with his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor, the league announced Monday.

Fernando earned the recognition after two performances that showed his game's maturation. He was the Terps’ most consistent player over the week, leading Maryland in scoring and rebounding with 19.5 points and 12.5 boards per game.

He started the week attempting to pioneer a failed comeback over Nebraska on the road on Feb. 13. Maryland would eventually fall by four, but Fernando led the Terps with 21 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Head coach Mark Turgeon ran the offense through Fernando, as the 6’10 Angolan operated against double-teams and picked up five assists as a result.

Fernando followed up that performance with a brilliant game in a win at home over Rutgers on Feb. 17. He once again led all Maryland scorers with 18 points, and picked up his third career double-double with a career-high 16 boards. He went 8-of-9 from the field, which included his first made three-point attempt of the year. Fernando also landed at No. 2 on Saturday’s SportsCenter Top 10 for this jam over Corey Sanders.

This is Fernando’s second time bringing home the honor this season, after taking home the honor for the first week of January. With just two games left in the regular season, Maryland has to hope his play carries through to the Big Ten Tournament.