NEC Release

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - LIU Brooklyn women's basketball senior Cleandra Roberts was named the Choice Hotels NEC Player of the Week, it was announced by the Northeast Conference Monday. This is the first NEC Weekly honor of her career. 

Roberts' week consisted of two non-conference games and two 20-plus performances. The 6-foot forward shot nearly 60 percent from the field and averaged 22.0 points per contest during a two-game road swing.

Scoring 23 points and pulling down six rebounds, Roberts spearheaded the Blackbirds' fruitful offensive effort against MAAC member Monmouth at the Jersey Shore Saturday. She went 8-of-13 shooting from the field, including a 1-for-1 clip from downtown, while helping LIU to its highest scoring output of the season's first nine games. Tying her career-high in points, Roberts helped LIU to a 67-52 win over the Hawks. 

Earlier in the week, Roberts recorded 21 points, three rebounds and two steals in a setback at CAA member Towson. The veteran Blackbird scored 17 points over the game's first 25 minutes, as LIU built a 38-35 lead.  

Efficient shooting was a key part of Roberts' recent success. She went 16-for-27 shooting from the floor, and sank 11 of 14 free throws last week.

Roberts leads LIU with a 17.6 points per game average, along with an 8.2 rebounds per game average.

Up next, the Blackbirds head to Arizona for two final non-conference games, taking on Grand Canyon, Saturday, December 28, and Northern Arizona, Monday, December 30.