Monday, December 15, 2003

Valparaiso University's Joaquim "Kikas" Gomes was named Mid-Continent Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for his performance last week.

A senior from Luanda, Angola, Gomes recorded three straight double-doubles, averaging 18.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in three games. In a 59-53 win over Indiana State last Monday, Gomes scored a career-high 19 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked two shots. He scored 12 straight points in the second half to help Valpo take control of the contest. In an 86-82 loss to Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Gomes tallied 19 points, 10 rebounds and a career and Mid-Con season-high five blocks. He finished the week with 16 points, 13 boards and two blocks in a 76-69 loss to Loyola (Ill.).

Overall, Gomes has a league-best four double-doubles. For the week, he shot 53 percent (19-36) from the floor, including 7-fo-15 from 3-point range.