Cranford, NJ - Congratulations to UCNJ Women's Basketball freshman, Hellary de los Santos, for earning Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) D2 Basketball Player of the Week honors and UCNJ Men's Basketball freshman, Nicolas Acosta, for being named Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) D3 Basketball Player of the Week back to back weeks.
Lady Owls continue their stellar start to the season with two strong wins this past week, defeating Mercer County Community College on the road and Middlesex College at home. At the heart of both victories was freshman forward Hellary DeLosSantos, who showcased her versatility with two standout performances.
On Tuesday, November 19th, the Owls faced a tough battle against ranked #25 Mercer. In the game, Hellary DeLosSantos delivered a game-high 23 points, and her presence on the boards was critical, as she grabbed 10 rebounds and added 2 assists and a steal to help Union pull away late to secure a 88-67 win.
The Owls returned home later in the week to face Middlesex College. Union dominated from the opening tip, cruising to a decisive 100-40 victory. DeLosSantos continued her impressive play, posting a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds in just 19 minutes of action. She also contributed 3 assists and 4 steals.
For the week, Hellary averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals per game while shooting an impressive 58% from the field.
The Owls, now riding a wave of momentum, will look to build on their strong start as they prepare for their next matchup against Lackawanna College on Tuesday, November 26th. Tip-off is slated for 5pm.
On the men's side, UCNJ Men's Basketball, Nicoloas Acosta earns GSAC POTW back to back weeks. UCNJ Men's basketball team beat Delaware Community College 66 - 54 last Saturday on the road. Freshman, Nicolas Acosta, has shown why he will be a force to be reckoned with all seasons, adding another double-double to an already terrific start to the year for the Owls.
The freshman from Plainfield topped his season high with 31 points against Bergen Community College in the win on Thursday night. Acosta averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks this week willing the Owls to another undefeated week in the conference as they now stand at 6-1 on the season.
Catch Hellary and UCNJ Women's Basketball at their next home game on December 3rd vs Salem Community College at 5:00pm. See Nicolas Acosta and UCNJ Men's Basketball at their next home game when they go against Chesapeake College on December 9th at 7:00pm.
GO OWLS!
Hellary De Los Santos - UCNJ Women's Basketball
Nicolas Acosta - UCNJ Men's Basketball