NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – University of Dayton freshman forward Ryan Mikesell was named Atlantic-10 Conference Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week to kick off the 2015-16 season after his performance against Southeast Missouri State Friday night. Dayton is now 1-0 after defeating the Red Hawks 84-53.

Mikesell was the leading scorer for the Flyers as he had 21 points to lead them to the victory. This is the third-most by a freshman in his Dayton debut, behind only Marcus Johnson's 23 (Austin Peay, 2006) and Chris Wright's 22 (East Tennessee State, 2007).

Mikesell had just six points in the first half but came to life when he posted 15 in the second half of the game. He made seven of nine field goals, including five for seven from behind the arc.  He also had eight rebounds and four assists, without any turnovers in his 26 minutes on the court.

The 6-foot-7 St. Henry, Ohio native is the first Flyer to be named Rookie of the Week since Dyshawn Pierre got the recognition back on November 20, 2012.

At St. Henry's High School, Mikesell had two triple-doubles in his senior year. He went on to be named Division III Northwest Ohio Player of the Year and was a First Team All-State selection. He averaged 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.4 blocks in his senior season.

The Flyers will face off against the University of Alabama at 1:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday at UD Arena.   Tuesday's game is part of ESPN's Tip-Off Marathon.