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Gonzaga Basketball

Gonzaga’s Rui Hachimura named WCC player of the week for second time

Gonzaga’s Rui Hachimura blocks a shot from Duke forward Javin DeLaurier during the second half of the Maui Invitational championship game. (MARCO GARCIA / AP)
By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5585

The WCC has handed out three player of the week honors this season and two have gone to Gonzaga’s Rui Hachimura.

The 6-foot-8 junior forward was honored Monday after being named MVP of the Maui Invitational. Hachimura hit the game-winning basket and added two blocked shots in the final minute of Wednesday’s 89-87 win over former No. 1 Duke.

Hachimura averaged 22.3 points and six rebounds in Gonzaga’s three wins in Maui. He had 20 points, seven boards, five assists and three blocks against the Blue Devils.

Hachimura, who is shooting 59.3 percent from the field, leads the conference at 22.5 points per game. He’s followed by Saint Mary’s Jordan Ford and San Diego’s Isaiah Pineiro, both at 22.0.

Hachimura was honored by the WCC on Nov. 12 after scoring 33 points against Idaho State in the season opener.