Jan. 3, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Big 5 has announced its weekly honors and La Salle University Women's Basketball player Carlene Hightower has been selected as the Player of the Week for her effort last week for the Explorers.

In La Salle's only game of the week, Hightower scored 28 points - her 22nd game with at least 20 points, sixth of the season - in a 75-70 overtime victory versus Sacred Heart, as six of her points came in the extra session.

She shot 8-of-16 from the floor and converted 12-of-16 free throws. She also grabbed six rebounds and had five steals, three assists and a block in helping La Salle win its third straight game.

This is Hightower's first Big 5 Player of the Week honor of the season, third of her career - with two nods last season. She is currently leading the Explorers in points per game (18.3), rebounds per game (6.9), and steals (25).

La Salle (6-7) will play two more non-conference games - at Lafayette, Friday, Jan. 4 at 7 PM and hosting Penn, Monday, Jan. 7 at 7 PM - before opening up Atlantic 10 Conference play on Saturday, Jan. 12 at Richmond with a 2 PM tip.