Incarnate Word had a thrilling week, with a nail-biting 82-80 win over Grand Canyon and triple-overtime victory at UMKC. Senior Denzel Livingston had 30+ points on both nights and has been named NetScouts Basketball’s National Player of the Week for games from December 15th to December 21st.
The Houston, Texas native started the week with 34 points, including the game-winning jumper, against Grand Canyon. Livingston shot 13-of-20 from the field, 3-of-4 from three-point range, and added another six rebounds. After playing 38 minutes on Wednesday, Livingston saw another 55 minutes in a triple overtime victory. He notched a double-double with 30 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks against UMKC. On the week, Livingston averaged 32.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 52.5% (21-40) from the field. He also turned the ball over just twice in 93 minutes of floor time.
Livingston, a 6-foot-4 guard, averaged 20.3 points per game last year and has been even more exceptional as a senior. He’s bumped that number to an eye-popping 22.2 points while still shooting a respectable 46.3% from the field. After jumping from Division II to Division I last season, the Cardinals won’t be eligible for postseason play until 2018, but Livingston has made their games a must watch.
Another individual from a smaller program made national headlines with strong play this week. Evansville junior Egidijus Mockevicius recorded a pair of double-doubles and the Vilnius, Lithuania native has been named NetScouts Basketball’s International Player of the Week for games from December 15th to December 21st.
The 6-foot-10 center opened with 16 points and 10 rebounds in an 81-69 overtime victory versus Ohio on Thursday. Mockevicius followed with 25 points and 12 rebounds in an 81-63 win over Alabama State. He averaged 20.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 59% (13-22) from the floor.
Mockevicius, one of four international prospects on Evansville’s roster, has led the team in rebounding and helped the Aces jump out to an 9-2 record this season. He and fellow junior D.J. Balentine have provided a nice 1-2 scoring punch that should allow Evansville to compete in the improving Missouri Valley Conference. Mockevicius’ stellar play this week should will be another good sign for the Aces moving forward.
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