Sue Bird Named Co-BIG EAST Player of the Week

PROVIDENCE, RI (Jan. 28, 2002) -- After leading UConn to two victories last weekend, senior guard Sue Bird (Syosset, NY) has been named Co-BIG EAST Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday. Bird shares the award with Shannon Perry of Syracuse, whose team also went 2-0 last week.

Bird averaged 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.5 steals in wins over Notre Dame and No. 24 Boston College last week. In an 80-53 victory over Notre Dame, Bird posted an impressive all-round game with a game-high 19 points and six assists. Bird also tallied a career-high nine rebounds against the Irish, narrowly missing her second double-double of the season. Against No. 24 Boston College, Bird again led all scorers with 23 points and also chipped in six rebounds in the 79-56 victory.

Bird shot 56.0 percent from the floor last week as well.

Sue Bird is the third UConn player to be tabbed BIG EAST Player of the Week this season. Both senior Swin Cash (McKeesport, PA) and sophomore Diana Taurasi (Chino, CA) had been multiple recipients earlier this season.

Bird averages 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game for the No. 1 Huskies, who return to action tomorrow in a 7 p.m. BIG EAST matchup with No. 16 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.