Syracuse point guard Kiara Lewis was named the National and Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Week by College Sports Madness on Monday. In two games – both thrilling overtime wins – Lewis averaged 24.5 points, 3.5 assists and three rebounds on 41.4% shooting. 

Against Notre Dame on Jan. 5, Lewis led all scorers with 28 points, including a contested 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. In overtime, she personally outscored Notre Dame six-to-three. 

In SU’s résumé-boosting win over No. 8 Florida State on Jan. 2, Lewis tallied 21 points. Notably, she set the screen to free up Emily Engstler on the game-winning, buzzer-beating finish, though head coach Quentin Hillsman had to remind her at the last second which defender to pick. 

WATCH ?: Coach Q, Emily Engstler, Teisha Hyman and Kiara Lewis break down the “Napkin Play” that pulled off the overtime upset against #8 Florida State Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/f5DGPNytXT

— ‘Cuse Hoops (@CuseWBB) January 6, 2020

Lewis entered the year expected to replace Tiana Mangakahia as SU’s floor general. At media day, head coach Quentin Hillsman said he had no concerns about Lewis’ capabilities as the Orange’s go-to scorer.

The redshirt junior has risen to the challenge. She’s scored in double figures in every game but one, and leads SU in scoring (17.8 points) and assists (5.4). 

Despite the two wins this week, including one over previously undefeated FSU, Syracuse (8-6, 2-1 ACC) remains unranked. The Orange began the year at No. 21 in the AP Top 25 Poll and jumped up to No. 17 two weeks later, but a three-game losing streak dropped them out of the rankings by the fifth week of the season.

This week, SU received nine votes, fourth-most out of teams outside the top 25.

Published on January 6, 2020 at 5:10 pm

Contact Danny: dremerma@syr.edu | @DannyEmerman