Nov. 30, 2008

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne sophomore Damian Saunders (Waterbury, Conn./Notre Dame (Mass.) Prep) has been named Atlantic 10 co-Player of the Week for his performance in DU's three games last week.

The 6-7 forward averaged 19.0 points and 8.7 rebounds, shot .622 from the field and posted his first two career double-doubles as Duquesne went 2-1 in playing three games in six days. Saunders shares the honor with Dayton forward Chris Wright.

Saunders, a three-time A-10 Rookie of the Week last season, began the week with 15 points in 27 minutes at home in Duquesne's win over Furman. He scored 15 of his 20 points in the second half and added 12 rebounds in posting his first career double-double in DU's victory at South Carolina Upstate on Nov. 25. He followed that with a career and game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds in Duquesne's loss at #7/#5 (AP/ESPN) Duke. Saunders was 9-of-13 from the field and added three assists and two blocks against the Blue Devils.

Saunders, who is shooting .667 from the field through five games, leads the Dukes in scoring (17.8 ppg.) and rebounding (7.4 rpg.). He is the second Duquesne player to be honored by the league this season. Last week, freshman guard Eric Evans (Detroit, Mich./Northwestern) was named A-10 co-Rookie of the Week.

Duquesne (4-1) returns to action on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at nationally ranked Pittsburgh (7-0) at Pitt's Petersen Events Center.