Trace Williams' (Flossmoor, Ill.) offensive outburst for Indiana University Northwest and another strong defensive performance from Saint Xavier University's Andre Brandon (Corrallville, Iowa) have earned the pair Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week accolades for the seven-day period ending Dec. 1, the league office announced on Tuesday.
Williams claimed CCAC Offensive Player of the Week honors after taking over the RedHawks' only game of the week, resulting in a 94-90 overtime win against Calumet College of St. Joseph. The senior guard rang up 43 points on 19-of-23 shooting from the field (.826), while also totaling 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal for IUN, which trailed by as many as 11 points in the opening half.
The win opened the conference season for the RedHawks, who are 5-1 overall.
Brandon, meanwhile, secured CCAC Defensive Player of the Week recognition for the second time this season by averaging 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds (7.0 defensively), 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks over three contests. Also included was one double-double.
The double-double came last Tuesday in a 115-79 victory over Judson University. Brandon registered 20 points, ten rebounds, four steals, one block and one assist in that contest.
Then, over the weekend, the senior forward posted eight points, three rebounds, three blocks, two assists and one steal in a 93-77 win opposite Hastings College (Neb.) on Saturday night. One day later, he recorded 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and nine points in a tight 80-79 setback to Lourdes University (Ohio).
With the .667 winning percentage on the week, Saint Xavier is now 6-2 overall and 2-0 against league competition.
Other Offensive Nominees: Aitor Anabitarte (St. Francis), Colin Adams (Viterbo), Kevin Bishop (Saint Xavier), Caleb Corro (Olivet Nazarene), Nick Mullen (Indiana South Bend), Guillermo Narbona (St. Ambrose), Colby Wiggins (Calumet St. Joseph), Phil Robles II (Holy Cross).
Other Defensive Nominees: Ladaion Barnes (Indiana Northwest), Deshon Burnett (Indiana South Bend), Josh Morris (Calumet St. Joseph), Joffrey Nunnally (St. Francis), AJ Roseman (Holy Cross), Landon Thousand (Viterbo).
Release provided by the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference
