SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota junior A.J. Plitzuweit claimed the opening TicketSmarter #SummitMBB Peak Performer of the Week award of the season Monday, league officials announced. Plitzuweit collected the second honor of his career after averaging 19.0 ppg and shooting 77 percent from 3-point range to help the Coyotes get off to a 2-1 start.
After scoring eight points in a road loss at Wisconsin in his first action since February of 2020, Plitzuweit erupted for 33 points to help the Coyotes rally from a 14-point deficit in their home-opening win against Lipscomb.
The Vermillion native went 5-for-6 from 3-point range, 9-for-11 from the field and made all 10 of his free throws to register the fourth 30-point plus game of his Division I career. He also dished about five assists against the Bison without turning the ball over.
He added 19 more points in a home win over Dakota State to close out the week, managing to go 4-for-5 from beyond the arc and 2-for-2 from the charity stripe.
For the week, Plitzuweit connected on 10-of-13 attempts from the beyond the arc and finished with a 64 percent field goal clip overall (16-for-25).
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
A.J. Plitzuweit, South Dakota
Jr. | G | Vermillion, S.D.
- Averaged a league-best 19.0 ppg during the opening week of the season
- Poured in 33 points in come-from-behind win over Lipscomb that saw Coyotes erase 14-point deficit
- Went 10-for-13 from 3-point range across three games, including 9-for-11 in two home wins
- This is the second career weekly honor for Plitzuweit
Also nominated: Frankie Fidler (Omaha); B.J. Omot (North Dakota); Connor Vanover (Oral Roberts); Tyree Corbett (Denver); Grant Nelson (North Dakota State); Matt Dentlinger (South Dakota State); Trenton Massner (Western Illinois); Shemarri Allen (Kansas City).
2022-23 Men’s Basketball Peak Performers of the Week
November 14
A.J. Plitzuweit, South Dakota
#SUMMITMBB
