New year, same incredible performances in the HBCU.
It was another hotly contested week, but one player’s trademark efficiency and one player’s newfound domination helped them capture the HBCU Players of the Week.
Here are the winners.
Men’s Player of the Week: Brian Moore Jr., Norfolk State
Moore was coming off a season-high 33 points on Dec. 29 against High Point and managed to keep the good times rolling this week. Although he didn’t match that point total, he had two quality games, including one against incredibly tough competition.
Moore had 18 points on 50.0% shooting in a 67-52 loss to No. 1 Tennessee on Tuesday, proving he could score against one of the best defenses in the country. He hit two of his three 3-point attempts and didn’t turn the ball over once.
He was even more efficient in the MEAC opener on Saturday, scoring 22 points on 15 shots and stuffing the stat sheet with seven rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals. Norfolk State won easily against Maryland Eastern Shore 81-59 to begin its defense of the MEAC regular season title.
It’s encouraging that Moore seems to have cured the uncharacteristic turnover issues that plagued him a few weeks ago. After nine games to start the season with two or fewer turnovers, Moore turned the ball over at least three times in four straight games. But in the four games since that streak, Moore has only turned it over a total of three times. When he’s right, he’s one of the most efficient scorers in the country, and he’s clearly gotten right again.
Moore is shooting 56.9% from the floor for the season, the highest mark in Division 1 for a player averaging at least 19 points per game. And, with his excellent week that included the start of conference play, Moore is peaking at the right time for Norfolk State.
Women’s Player of the Week: Cordasia Harris, Alabama State
The season didn’t kick off the way Alabama State wanted, but conference play offers a new start for every team. And the Lady Hornets have taken advantage of that opportunity with Harris leading the way.
After entering conference play on a 10-game losing streak, Alabama State has won its first two league games by double digits, showing resiliency and an improved team that is capable of making noise in the SWAC.
Harris has been at the center of it all, leading the way in points and rebounds in both games. She had 19 points and 13 rebounds on 8-of-10 shooting in a 58-46 win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Then, she was even better against Mississippi Valley State, finishing with 28 points, 16 rebounds and five steals in a 64-49 victory.
The two games represented the top two scoring and rebounding games against Division 1 competition for Harris this season. And her five steals against Mississippi Valley State were a career high. She’s started conference playing her best basketball.
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