In what has been a frustrating nonconference season, some Atlantic 10 players have stepped up in a big way. Here are the top five performers from the past week; all performers must have been on teams that won, and the level of competition was also taken into account.
Luwane Pipkins vs. Providence
All signs pointed to this being a transition year for UMass, but Luwane Pipkins is doing everything he can to put those thoughts to bed. Pipkins has been magnificent this season and was sensational against a very talented Providence team on Saturday. Not only did he score 30 points, but he did so shooting 12-16 from the field and knocking in four threes.
Jaylen Adams vs. Yale
Man, is it good to have Jaylen Adams back on the court or what. Adams was amazing this week, but especially so on Saturday, leading the Bonnies to a win over a tough Yale squad. Adams was all over the floor, tallying 9 assists and 6 steals. He did much of his work at the free throw line, going a perfect 9-9 on his way to 25 points.
Jair Bolden vs. Princeton
Jair Bolden has emerged as one of the most promising sophomores in the conference, and he came up big for the Colonials on Wednesday night against Princeton. In 39 minutes of action, he scored 25 points on 8-15 shooting. Maurice Joseph will continue to lean on Bolden to play heavy minutes as he continues to prove the GW will be back in the top half of the conference sooner rather than later.
Jordan Goodwin vs. Southern Illinois
Saint Louis’ nonconference schedule has had some of the highest of highs and lowest of lows as Travis Ford works out the kinks of his talented roster. Jordan Goodwin has struggled mightily shooting from distance, but he has proven he is tough as nails and will lead the Billikens to many wins during his four years in Saint Louis. On Wednesday night he did not make a three against Southern Illinois, but gutted his way to 20 points and 9 rebounds in a hard fought 5-point victory.
Eric Williams Jr. vs. Delaware State
Duquesne has yet to perform against a quality opponent this season, but the program is showing signs of life under Keith Dambrot. On Saturday the team set a school record with 18 threes made, with Mike Lewis II and Eric Williams Jr. making 7 and 5 respectively. Williams Jr. has emerged as a key player as a freshman, and he is also a complete player, evidenced by his 9 rebounds and 3 steals.