Pre-conference play is reaching its final run as teams get closer and closer to playing their conference schedule. Players continue to fulfill expectations and this week’s Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week are exceeding them. Redshirt senior guard Lexie Brown (Duke) received Player of the Week honors and freshman forward Digna Strautmane (Syracuse) took home Rookie of the Week.
Duke (14) is now 8-2 overall, after hosting UNC Greensboro and Winthrop. Within the two meetings, Brown averaged 25.0 PPG, 7.5 APG, 7.0 SPG and 5.5 RPG. The pre-season Conference Player of the Year notched a season-high 30 points against Winthrop, with the addition of six steals, six assists and four rebounds in 29 minutes. In her 33 minute performance against UNC-G, Brown scored 20 points, nine assists, eight steals and seven rebounds in a near-triple-double showing. Continuing to prove her backcourt efficiency, Brown made 64.7 percent from the field and 36.4 from distance.
Strautmane led Syracuse to two wins against Drexel and Colgate. She is tied at 10th in the nation in blocked shots with 27 this season, three of which stemming from the game against Drexel. Stautmane’s double-double, 19 points and 11 rebounds, made her the team leader in both categories in the 72-62 win over the Dragons. Her 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in the second half allowed Cuse to overcome the deficit and remain undefeated on the season.
ICYMI - #ACCWBB's four teams in the AP Top 25 are holding strong again this week! pic.twitter.com/liMcXuK1Qa
— ACC Women's Basketball (@accwbb) December 12, 2017
The ACC is maintaining its AP Top 25 presence. Four teams still occupy a spot in rankings. Notre Dame finished the week in the No. 2 spot and Lousville occupies No. 3. Florida State ranks 12th and Duke, 14th. Syracuse received votes and is 10-0.