Martz and Brodeur pick up weekly awards from Ivy League and Big 5

Once again honored as Ivy League and Philadelphia Big 5 Player of the Week and Ivy League Rookie of the Week, respectively, senior AJ Brodeur and freshman Max Martz are proving to be vital at the end of Penn men’s basketball’s turbulent season.

After breaking their three-game loss streak with a win at Brown, the Quakers are fighting for a strong finish with a berth in Ivy Madness on the line. Overall, the team stands firmly in contention for the final spot in the Ivy League Tournament with a conference record of 6-6, tied with the Bears and one game ahead of Dartmouth.

With this week’s award being AJ Brodeur’s fourth Big 5 honor this season, the senior forward is no stranger to accolades. He led Penn’s scoring with 25 points in Friday’s disappointing loss to Yale, and also scored 20 in Saturday’s win against Brown.

Saturday's game was the third time in a row Brodeur had racked up 20 points or more, and his ninth game reaching 20 points on the season. Brodeur added eight rebounds and seven assists, with only one turnover.

After winning against Brown, Penn men’s basketball has a strong shot at being one of the top four teams who will compete at the Ivy League Tournament. Had the Red and Blue lost to the Bears, they would have been eliminated from contention, but the team was able to claw their way back into contention thanks to Brodeur’s efforts.

Joining Brodeur with a weekly honor, freshman Max Martz was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week. He attempted to fend Yale off with 12 points and five rebounds, and contributed 13 points to the team’s victory at Brown. The freshman guard brought some much-needed heat to the game's second half, with all 13 of his points scored in the final 20 minutes. Like Brodeur, Martz is no stranger to recognition and has racked up three Ivy League weekly honors this season.