SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Following a 33-point, 13-rebound performance Saturday at UC Irvine and a 17-point effort in a victory at Cal State Northridge, Santa Clara University junior Ruta Zurauskyte was named Jesuit Basketball's National Player of the Week.
Zurauskyte has been terrific this season for the 6-2 Broncos, leading the West Coast Conference in rebounding (9.0 rpg) and posting four double-doubles, which ranks 14th among all NCAA players. Her 33 points vs. UC Irvine tied for the seventh-best single-game scoring night in Santa Clara history.
"She is a very determined individual," said Santa Clara head coach Jennifer Mountain in a recent interview. "I am extremely proud of her effort and the leadership role she has taken on with this team. Offensively, she has done a great job of developing her skill set and is improving on the defensive end daily. She's a shot blocker, a threat every time she touches the ball, and she has the heart to succeed."
In three games last week, the 6-foot, 4-inch native of Siauliai, Lithuania averaged 22.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg., made 24 of 39 shots and was 20 for 22 from the free throw line. The Broncos lead the WCC and are 16th in the country in scoring at 80 points per game.
Zurauskyte (pronounced 'zur-a-SKEET-tay') and the Broncos are preparing to face Bay Area rival Cal on Saturday afternoon in Berkeley. Fans can listen to that game live on SantaClaraBroncos.com. Tip off is scheduled for 2 p.m.