Southern Utah University freshman point guard Elijah Duval has received the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Newcomer of the Week award for a second consecutive week, marking his third time earning this honor in the past month.
Duval delivered strong performances during two games in Texas. Despite Southern Utah Thunderbirds losing both matchups, he remained a key contributor on the court.
On February 19, Southern Utah played against Tarleton State and held an early lead. Duval scored 23 points, making two of four attempts from three-point range and converting seven out of nine free throws. He also collected seven rebounds, recorded three assists, and made three steals.
In the following game against Abilene Christian on Saturday, Duval contributed 19 points—second to teammate Logan Stephens’ career-high 20 points. Duval shot eight for thirteen from the field and one for three from beyond the arc. He added two rebounds, four assists, a block, and a steal.
Over these two games combined, Duval averaged 22.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while tallying five steals and one block. His shooting percentages were 45% overall, 42% from three-point distance, and 69% at the free-throw line.
As a freshman, Duval leads all first-year players in league scoring and ranks fifth in points per game during conference play with an average of 15.4. He is also fourth in total assists with 54 so far this season.
Looking ahead, Southern Utah will face Utah Tech at home on February 28 in what is described as their most important game of the year as they aim to overcome previous losses to that team.
Tickets for upcoming games are available at tbirdtickets.com.
