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University of Houston Athletics
Mason Earns C-USA Player of the Week Nod
1/31/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 31, 2011
HOUSTON - University of Houston women's basketball senior forward Lesslee Mason was named the Conference USA Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday. The honor was the first of Mason's career and the sixth for the Cougars this season.
Mason averaged a double-double with 13.0 points and 10.5 rebounds to go with 4.0 blocks to help lead Houston in two come-from-behind victories against UCF and SMU last week.
Mason shot 42 percent (11-of-26) from the field and also averaged 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals during the two contests. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native entered the week shooting just 57 percent from the free-throw line, but went a perfect 4-for-4 in two crucial situations.
Against the Knights on Thursday, Mason tallied 14 points and a season-high 14 rebounds, while swatting three shots. Mason knocked down both free-throws with 44.0 seconds remaining to cut the UCF lead to one, while grabbing a rebound on the defensive glass with less than 10 seconds remaining as the Cougars pushed the lead to three.
On Sunday, Mason tallied 12 points and seven rebounds while posting some late-game heroics as Houston pulled off a miracle comeback against SMU. Mason was 5-of-13 from the field and tied a career high with five blocks to go with three assists and three steals.
With Brittney Scott hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game at 67 with 15 seconds remaining, Mason stole the inbounds pass and dished to a driving Brittany Mason who was fouled and converted both free-throw attempts to give the Cougars the go-ahead points.
Mason is averaging 10.4 points and 8.9 rebounds this season and ranks second in C-USA in blocks (2.2 bpg), fourth in rebounding and offensive rebounds (3.6 rpg) and fifth in defensive rebounds (5.3 rpg).
The Cougars (17-4, 8-0) battle second-place Tulane in their next action on Feb. 6 in New Orleans, La.
