- SIMBA FRENCH Guardian Sports Reporter simba@nasguard.com
- Jan 11, 2024 Updated Jan 11, 2024
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For a second time this season, Bahamian collegiate basketball player Lathaniel Bastian has earned the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week, this time for the week ending January 8.
He initially got the honor for the week ending December 11.
The Bahamian was a force to reckon with against the Greyhounds as he finished with a double-double of a game-high 26 points and 14 rebounds. He added five blocks in a 79-76 win for his team on their home court at the Falcon Dome, in Odessa, Texas. The transfer graduate student finished 10-for-18 from the field and 6-for-10 from the charity stripe.
It was a close game that had eight lead changes and five ties. The game was tied at 72 points with 1:57 left. Bastian got an offensive board and gave his team the lead for good with a putback layup with 1:18 left in the game. They led 74-72 at that point. The Falcons made five more free throws to hold off the Greyhounds.
On Saturday, Bastian played just 16 minutes. He finished the game with just six points, six rebounds and one block in a 90-70 blowout win for his team against the Mustangs. He finished 3-for-4 from the field and had four assists but battled foul trouble all night.
The Falcons turned it up in the second half after leading 39-31 at the half. They outscored the Mustangs, 51-39, in the second half.
The two wins at home give the Falcons a 10-3 win/loss record on the season. They are currently riding a three-game winning streak and are now tied for the second best start in program history. They are 5-2 in Lone Star Conference play and have a perfect 8-0 record at home. The Falcons head on the road today to take on the Lubbock Christian University Chaparrals (10-4) in a Lone Star showdown at the Rip Griffin Center in Lubbock, Texas. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.
Also in action today will be Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball head coach Yolett ‘Coach Yo’ McPhee-McCuin and player Rhema Collins. They will take on the Auburn University Tigers at home at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion in Oxford, Mississippi. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Veronaye Charlton and the North Alabama Lions will look to snap a three-game skid when they take on Austin Peay State University Governors at home at the CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall in Florence, Alabama. Action gets underway at 5:30 p.m.
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