BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Eastern Kentucky University redshirt sophomore Corey Walden was named as the adidas Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week on Monday, the league announced from its Brentwood, Tenn., headquarters.

The award is the first this season for Walden but the third straight for a Colonel.

Walden scored a game-high 21 points at No. 10 Illinois on Sunday. The Daytona Beach, Fla., native hit 9-of-13 from the field, including 8-of-9 from inside the arch. Walden’s basket and free throw capped a 16-6 run that brought the Colonels to within four points with less than 10 minutes to play.

Walden began his career at Stetson University. He missed last season at Brevard Community College due to an injury. He was a unanimous selection to the 2011 Atlantic Sun Conference All-Freshman Team.

Eastern continues a season-long stretch of six consecutive road games on Wednesday at North Carolina A&T. Tip-off in Greensboro is scheduled for 7 p.m.