- Posted in All University
- Category: AthleticsCampus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA – A pair of Lincoln University men's basketball players have earned weekly honors from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the conference announced today (December 13, 2021).
Junior Alex Nunnally (Washington, D.C./Cesar Chavez Parkside) was named the Food Lion Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week, while freshman Bakir Cleveland (Newark, N.J. /University) earned the Food Lion Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week honors.
Nunnally was efficient in his effort as he totaled 34 rebounds, including 17 defensive boards, and tallied one steal in just 58 minutes over three games. He did it on both ends of the court, averaging a double-double with 10.6 points and 11.3 rebounds on the week, helping the Lions to a 3-0 record with wins over Cheney, Wilmington (DE), and Southern Connecticut State. He is the second men's basketball player this season to earn the conference's weekly defensive award, following Zahrion Blue (Princeton, N.J./Princeton) – who picked up the laurel on November 22.
"Alex has been a monster for us on the boards this year and has proven that he can score down low as well," said Lincoln University men's basketball coach Corey Lowery. "As he continues to get used to a new system, I fully expect him to become a dominant force on both sides of the ball."
Cleveland averaged 10 points and 3.3 rebounds over three games, including a 21-point performance in a win over Southern Connecticut State. The guard came off the bench to total five assists, three blocks, and one steal for the Lions.
"Bakir has been a spark for us all year," said Lowery. "He is understanding the importance of becoming a dominant two-way player. He is very confident in his abilities and does whatever we ask of him in order for the team to succeed."
Lincoln puts its three-game winning streak on the line 7:30 p.m. Thursday when the Lions host Johnson C. Smith in their CIAA opener.
