Basketball | 11/14/2023 3:44:00 PM

RICHARDSON, Texas (Nov. 14, 2023 – The Texas Woman's basketball team celebrated another weekly honor today, as Leila Patel was named the Lone Star Conference Player of the Week.

"Leila has been explosive for us on the offensive end of the floor," TWU Basketball Head Coach Beth Jillson said. "Her hard work in the off-season has been evident. Leila's decision-making throughout the game and vision on the court puts our team in great positions to be successful. Her commitment to working hard and being her best makes everyone around her better. I am so proud of Leila!"

Patel led the Pioneers in another undefeated weekend, earning the Player of the Week honor for the first time in her career. In TWU's two wins in the Conference Challenge over Western Colorado and MSU – Denver, Patel averaged 18.5 points per game and shot 72.2% from the field.

Against Western Colorado on Friday, Patel scored a career high 20 points on 70% shooting from the field, 50% from the three point line and 100% from the free throw line. She also grabbed four rebounds and a steal in the Pioneers' 19-point win.

Patel followed up her Friday performance with 17 points against MSU – Denver. She shot 6-8 from the field, a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc and a perfect 100% from the charity stripe. She finished with four rebounds and a steal in TWU's 30-point win over the Roadrunners.

Not only was Patel awesome on offense, but she also locked down on defense, as she helped the Pioneers hold MSU – Denver to just 12 points in the first quarter and their lowest point production of the season at 36 points.

At the conclusion of the Conference Challenge, Patel was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

In the LSC, Patel currently ranks 11th in scoring, averaging 15.6 points per game on the season.

This marks the Pioneers' second Player of the Week award this season and the first back-to-back award of the season.