PITTSBURGH - Duquesne freshman guard Eric Williams Jr., who came off the bench to post a 17 point, 12 rebound double-double in the Dukes' 80-70 season-opening win over St. Francis Brooklyn, has been named Atlantic 10 co-Rookie of the Week.
Williams Jr., who scored 15 of his 17 points - including three dunks - in the second half, is the first Duquesne freshman (since freshmen regained eligibility in 1972-73) to put up a double-double in a season opener.
The 6-5 New Haven, Mich. native hit 5-of-6 free throws in the final 26 seconds to ice the game and give DU head coach Keith Dambrot a win in his debut.
The Dukes (1-0) return to action Tuesday night when they host VMI (0-1) at 7:00 p.m. at the Palumbo Center.