Dec. 23, 2002

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Junior guard Justin DeBerry (Tucson, Ariz./Salpointe Catholic) has been named the Patriot League Player of the Week. DeBerry wins the award for the first time in his career after averaging 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.7 steals in three Lafayette victories last week.

DeBerry is coming off a game-high 20-point performance in the Leopards' 54-52 win over Massachusetts on Dec. 21. He hit four three-pointers, dished off five assists and did not commit a turnover in 38 minutes.

The 6-3 guard had 19 points in a 64-53 road win vs. St. Peter's and scored a career-high 22 points in an 87-70 home victory over Ursinus to open the week.

For the week, DeBerry shot slightly better from three-point land (13-for-28, 46.4%) than his overall field goal percentage (22-for-48, 45.8%).

Through eight games, DeBerry leads Lafayette and is ranked fourth in the Patriot League in scoring with 14.6 ppg.

Lafayette (3-5) closes out 2002 on Monday, Dec. 30, when the Leopards host Albany at 7:30 p.m.