UNLV’S SHAKUR JUISON NAMED MOUNTAIN WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Runnin’ Rebel forward honored by conference for first time
UNLV junior forward Shakur Juistion was named Mountain West Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, the league announced Tuesday. It is Juiston’s first career weekly honor, and the third for a Runnin’ Rebel player this season.
The Newark, New Jersey native, who came to UNLV out of Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, led the Runnin’ Rebels to a 2-0 record last week with home victories over Mississippi Valley State (95-63) on Wednesday, Dec. 20 and Northern Colorado (94-91) on Friday, Dec. 22.
For the week, he averaged a double-double with team highs of 21.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. He shot 73.1 percent from the field (19-of-26).
Juiston scored a career-high 30 points, while pulling down 12 rebounds in the Rebels’ final non-conference game of the season vs. Northern Colorado. He was 13 of 18 from the field in that contest.
In UNLV’s blowout win over Mississippi State, Juiston had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds on 6 of 8 from the field. He added four assists in that game.
Juiston now has seven double-doubles on the year, which ranks among the nation’s top 15. With 11 wins already this season, UNLV has matched its win total from all of last year.
The Runnin’ Rebels will open Mountain West play on Saturday, Dec. 30 vs. Boise State at 8 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. There will be a recognition of the 1977 Final Four team that evening. Tickets may be purchased at UNLVtickets.com, by calling 702-739-FANS (3267) or by visiting the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office. The Family Fun Four Pack is available for the conference opener (tickets, hot dogs and sodas for only $56, a savings of $40).