SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Furman's Amu Saaka has been named the Southern Conference Player of the Week for all games played December 21 through January 3 the league office announced Tuesday (Jan. 4).  Saaka averaged 17.0 points and 7.8 rebounds as the Paladins went 3-1 over the holidays.

Saaka led the Paladins to a 91-75 win over South Carolina on December 22 with a team-high 20 points and eight rebounds.  It was Furman's first victory over the Gamecocks since the 1979-80 season.  Following a loss to nationally-ranked Central Florida, Furman came away with a 75-62 victory over Northeastern in the UCF Holiday Classic.  Saaka scored 17 points and added eight rebounds against the Huskies en route to all-tournament honors.  He finished the two-week stretch with 21 points and eight rebounds as Furman captured an 82-55 win over UVA-Wise Monday night.

Saaka is fourth in the Southern Conference in scoring (15.7 ppg) and ranks fifth in rebounding (6.9 rpg).  The Decatur, Ga., native is third in the league in free throw percentage (.862).

Furman (10-3, 2-0 SoCon) returns to the floor Thursday when the Paladins host College of Charleston at 7:00 p.m.

Other top performers in the Southern Conference included Appalachian State's Donald Sims, College of Charleston's Andrew Goudelock, The Citadel's Zach Urbanus, Elon's Chris Long, Georgia Southern's Ben Drayton III, Western Carolina's Richie Gordon and Wofford's Noah Dahlman.

SoCon Men's Basketball Player of the Week
Nov. 16 - Omar Carter, Appalachian State
Nov. 23 - Donald Sims, Appalachian State
Nov. 30 - Cameron Wells, The Citadel
Dec. 7 - Noah Dahlman, Wofford
Dec. 14 - Brendan McKillop, Davidson
Dec. 21 - Jeremy Simmons, College of Charleston
Jan. 4 - Amu Saaka, Furman