Savannah State's Troyce Manassa and Coppin State freshman Dejuan Clayton were selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s Basketball Co-Players of the Week, the conference announced today. Howard’s Charles Williams and Coppin State’s Clayton earned Co-Rookie of the Week honors, while Jordan Butler, of Norfolk State, was named Defensive Player of the Week.
Manassa led Savannah State to a 2-0 record in its past two games as he averaged 26 points, six rebounds, two steals and 1.5 assists while shooting 52.6 percent (20-of-38) overall and 50 percent (9-of-18) from the three-point line. The 6-4 senior guard from Brooklyn, N.Y. led the Tigers to a 2-0 record over the past week as he scored 24 points and pulled down six rebounds in the win at South Carolina State. Several days later, he scored 28 points, grabbed six rebounds and recorded three steals as he led Savannah State to a win over previously unbeaten Morgan State. Manassa has scored 20-plus points in five of the past six games.
Clayton scored a career-high 28 points in Coppin State’s win at Howard on Monday, Jan. 16. In addition to his career-high output, the freshman from Bowie, Md. dished out five assists while also pulling down four rebounds. Clayton also had a stellar shooting performance as he shot 73.3 percent (11-of-15) from the field.
Williams averaged a MEAC-best 28 points per game as Howard finished its past two games with a 1-1 mark. The 6-5 freshman from Richmond, Va. shot 52.9 percent from the field and 92.9 percent (13-of-14) from the free throw line as he scored a career-high 30 points at North Carolina A&T State on Jan. 21.
Butler averaged three blocks and nine rebounds over the past week as Norfolk State recorded consecutive wins for the second time this season. The 6-6 junior forward from Hartford, Conn. had a career night in the annual Battle of the Bay affair versus Hampton on Jan. 21 as he tallied five blocks, 11 rebounds and a steal. Butler also totaled seven rebounds, one block and a steal at Delaware State last Monday.
Other Top Performers
Kyle Benton (NCCU) registered 12 points, six rebounds, one block and the Eagles’ only steal, in the win over Hampton.
Eric Eaves (SCSU) averaged 21 points and 6.5 rebounds over the past two games with a high of 23 points versus Savannah State.
Dajuan Graf (NCCU) totaled 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists in a 64-51 win over Hampton.
Jonathan Wade (NSU) shot 68.2 percent on 15-of-22 shooting in wins over Delaware State and Hampton.
Desmond Williams (FAMU) posted a team-high 20 points and eight rebounds, in 38 minutes of play, against Bethune-Cookman.