NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – University of Dayton forward Obi Toppin has capped off his first week as a college basketball competitor by being named Atlantic 10 Co-Rookie of the Week.

Toppin, a redshirt freshman from Ossining, N.Y., averaged 18.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in two Flyer wins last week.  He also shot .696 (16-23) from the floor and .833 (5-6) from the line.  He also had five assists, with a blocked shot and a steal.

Toppin made his college debut against North Florida on Nov. 7 with an impressive 18-point, 10-rebound performance in 28 minutes of play.  Other Flyers have scored more in their first college game (including teammate Ryan Mikesell, who scored 21 in his debut), but none had the pressure Toppin had.  Toppin was inserted in to the starting lineup in place of UD's MVP, three-time captain and All-Atlantic 10 performer Josh Cunningham, who injured his hand just one day before the season opener.

Toppin followed that up by leading UD in scoring again Saturday night against Coppin State.  He had 19 points (8-10 FG) and three of his five assists.

For Dayton, Toppin has the best scoring average among the four Flyers averaging in double figures, and he is tied for third in rebounding.  Among players seeing at least 25 minutes of action per game in the Atlantic 10, his field goal percentage is currently the best.

Toppin shared the first A-10 Rookie of the Week honors of the year with Duquesne's Austin Rotroff.

Dayton is back in action on Friday, Nov. 16, when the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons visit UD Arena.  Game time is 7 p.m. ET.