Sophomore post Aaron Burtzel (Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori) led the Johnnies to three MIAC wins last week to extend SJU's winning streak to five and keep the squad in the MIAC playoff hunt. Burtzel averaged nearly 15 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 73.9% from the floor last week. More importantly, Burtzel averaged 8.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the second half alone. Down 29-26 at the half to Concordia on Feb. 7, Burtzel totaled 10 points and 10 rebounds in the game’s final 20 minutes, ending the afternoon with 16 points and 12 rebounds to record his second consecutive double-double and sixth of the season.
Burtzel is currently third in the MIAC in both rebounding (9.3 rpg) and minutes played (34.14 mpg), is fourth in assists (3.57 apg) and fifth in shooting percentage (.576).
The Johnnies (12-9, 10-6 MIAC) host Augsburg for a pivotal MIAC tilt this Wednesday, Feb. 11, before traveling to face Hamline this Saturday, Feb. 14 in St. Paul.
