OKLAHOMA CITY -- After leading the squad to a pair of key victories, John Brown University men's basketball junior guard Elijah Lawrence was named the Sooner Athletic's Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday morning (Feb. 17).
Lawrence keyed the Golden Eagles (18-8,16-6 Sooner Athletic) to pair of huge league wins over Oklahoma Panhandle State and Wayland Baptist (Texas), launching the Blue and Gold into second place with two games remaining in the regular season.
"Eli did a tremendous job for us, especially on Saturday, guarding one of the most elite scorers in our conference. I thought he harassed him, made things difficult throughout the game, and played a big part in our win."
The Houston, Texas native anchored the JBU defensive effort by averaging 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals while adding 11.0 points and 1.5 assists across two starts. Lawrence recorded 13 total rebounds, including 10 on the defensive glass, and posted a 0.4 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Offensively, he shot 41 percent (9-of-22) from the field and went a perfect 3-of-3 at the charity stripe on the week. On Saturday, he helped force the SAC's leading scorer into tying a season-high 11 turnovers as the Pioneers committed 20 total. John Brown turned the miscues into 22 points in the overtime win.
Lawrence currently leads the Golden Eagles in steals per game (1.2) and boasts a healthy 1.28 assist-to-turnover ration in his first season in Siloam Springs.
The Golden Eagles return to action Thursday night (Jan. 20) when John Brown comes to blows with SAC-leading Nelson (Texas) in a 7:45 p.m. tipoff. The contest, which could clinch the regular season title for the Lions or boost the Golden Eagles into first place with one game left, will be carried live on the SAC Sports Network.
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