JOHNSON EARNS PBC PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARD
JUNIOR FORWARD MARKS LADY PACERS' FIRST SELECTION IN SIX SEASONS

AIKEN, S.C.-- USC Aiken’s Morgan Johnson has been named the Peach Belt Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday afternoon.  The 6-0 junior from Marietta, Ga. averaged 18.7 ppg and 9.3 rpg in leading the Lady Pacers (3-0, 1-0 PBC) to a perfect 3-0 week.  Johnson becomes just the program’s eighth Player of the Week selection and first since Julie Szabo took home the honor on February 24, 2002.  (PHOTO BY: John Corley)

In addition to nearly averaging a double double, Johnson shot 65.6 percent from the field and connected on 14-of-19 tries at the line for 73.7 percent.  She also tallied 13 assists, seven blocks, and five steals in the three games this past week. 

On Tuesday, Johnson led the Lady Pacers to a 69-61 win over region power Catawba College in the first-ever women’s basketball game at the brand new 3,500-seat Convocation Center.  In her debut, Johnson poured in 23 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.  As an encore, Johnson registered 17 points and 11 boards in Saturday’s 67-63 upset win at #7 Clayton State.  During the decisive 26-2 first-half run, Johnson provided the spark with 10 of her points over than span. 

Johnson closed out her impressive week with 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals in just 20 minutes of action on Sunday in the team’s 84-57 win over Coker. 

She is one of only two players to be ranked in the top five in the Peach Belt Conference in both scoring and rebounding.  Johnson is also second in the league in field goal percentage, second in blocks, fifth in assist-to-turnover ratio, and eighth in assists.  With two double doubles through three games, she is tied for the league lead in that category as well. 

USC Aiken will take on archrival Augusta State on Wednesday, November 28 at the Convocation Center.  The key early season Peach Belt Conference showdown will tip-off at 5:30 PM.  Fans are encouraged to bring a gently worn coat to donate to the USCA Community Coat Drive and will receive free admission to the game