Williams Tabbed A-Sun Newcomer of the Week

MACON, Ga. – After a two-game stretch where she averaged 28 points per game, Mercer freshman Briana Williams has been named the Atlantic Sun Women’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week in an announcement by the conference office Tuesday.

Williams’ second Newcomer of the Week honor of the season comes the day after her dazzling performance against Jacksonville.  On Monday, Williams torched the Dolphins for 41 points, setting a University Center record for points scored.

The Jackson, Ga. native’s 41 point performance marked the highest scoring total for a Division I freshman this season and tied for the fifth-highest total in among all players this season.

“Briana has shown us since she came on campus that she has a gift for scoring,” Gardner said.  “She has that unique ability to rise above the defense.  She can get to the rim and draw contact or avoid contact…She just gets amazing shots off.”

Earlier in the week, Williams scored a game-high 15 points while contributing five rebounds and four assists against North Florida.  Williams has now led the team in scoring in each of the last three games and in 12 of Mercer’s 18 games.

Williams’ 56 points over the week boosted her season scoring average to 16.8, tops among A-Sun players.  She also ranks among the league’s top-10 players in three-point field goals made per game (10^th - 1.94).

Williams’ honor marks her third individual award of the season, adding her Player of the Week honor on Dec. 7 and her Newcomer of the Week recognition on Nov. 23.

 “Against Jacksonville she was just in a zone,” Gardner said. “She is well deserving of this honor.”