Concordia forward Kayle Knuckles named PacWest Conference freshman of the week

Concordia University Irvine forward Kayle Knuckles (No. 14 on defense)  was named PacWest Conference freshman of the week after averaging 16.5 points in the Eagles latest two wins. (Photo courtesy George Rodriguez)

The PacWest Conference recognized Concordia’s Kayle Knuckles for his recent outstanding performances by naming him the league’s new freshman of the week.

Knuckles averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals over the course of Concordia’s two wins this past weekend.  In addition, Knuckles shot a blistering 55 percent from the field (11-for-20) and 56 percent from behind the arc (9-for-16) to help the Green and Gold pick up their first two double-digit victories of the season.

At the Ron Logsdon Classic on Saturday against San Francisco State, Knuckles scored 18 of his career-high 20 points in the first half and made five straight three-point attempts to help the Eagles open up a 25-point advantage at halftime.

The redshirt freshman shot 6-of-12 from three-point land and collected six rebounds along with two steals and an assist as the Eagles cruised to a 75-55 win over the Gators.

On Friday against tournament host Sonoma State, Knuckles contributed 13 points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal as the Eagles pounded the Seawolves, 84-68.  Knuckles converted five of his seven shots from the floor (71 percent), three of his four attempts from long range, and the Eagles never trailed in the entire contest.

Knuckles was also named to the Ron Logdson Classic All-Tournament Team after his back-to-back impressive performances.

Concordia returns to action this Saturday, Nov. 24 when the Eagles host Antelope Valley in their home opener at 2 p.m.

-Courtesy Ben Rosehart