Xavier's Williams, OLLU's Lopez claim RRAC men's hoops player of the week honors

WACO, Texas – Lance Williams of Xavier University (La.) garnered the RRAC Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week award for Nov. 18-24, while Wahkil Lopez of Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas) was recognized as the RRAC Defensive Player of the Week for the same dates. This is the fourth set of weekly awards for the 2024-25 men's basketball season.

Williams led the Gold Rush with 15.7 points per game and a 56.7% shooting percentage from the field as Xavier won three games on the road. The senior guard from Baton Rouge, La., scored 25 points  and grabbed seven rebounds in a 67-65 victory over non-conference opponent Loyola University (La.). Williams finished the week 4-of-9 from three-point range and 9-of-10 from the free throw line. He is fourth in the RRAC with 16.7 points per game this season. The Gold Rush are 3-1 in conference play and 4-2 on the season.

Lopez blocked nine shots as the Saints won two more conference matchups last week. The junior forward from Bronx, N.Y., added nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Lopez compiled five blocks and two steals in a 95-80 win over Texas A&M University-Texarkana on Thursday. He is second in the conference with 2.3 blocks per game. OLLU remains undefeated at 4-0 in league play and 8-0 overall.  

Additional RRAC men's basketball weekly nominees: Trey Boston (LSU Shreveport), Joseph Cormier (North American), Kenyon Elliott (Our Lady of the Lake), Tevin Gowans (North American), Isaiah Halliburton (Huston-Tillotson), Charles Hallmon (Huston-Tillotson), TJ James (LSU Alexandria), Jacob Koontz (Southwest), Corey Lombard (Louisiana Christian), Meikkei Murray (LSU Shreveport), Kashie Natt (LSU Alexandria), Rahkiem Petterson (Southwest), Drew Tebbe (Louisiana Christian), Seviuhn Turner (Xavier), Deovaunta Williams (A&M-Texarkana), Norris Williams (Paul Quinn).

2024-25 RRAC men's basketball weekly selections: