Saint John’s University junior Aaron Burtzel (Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori) averaged 16.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 81.3 percent (13-16) from the field in the Johnnies’ pair of MIAC victories to open 2010 play. His 17 points and 12 rebounds in the 87-81 win over St. Olaf on Jan. 4 was his fifth double-double of the season and 11th of his career. He currently leads the MIAC (conference games only) in shooting percentage (.732, 30-41) and minutes played (36.6 mpg.), and is second in both assists (4.2 apg.) and rebounding (10.2 rpg.).
Burtzel is also climbing a number of charts in the SJU record book. He currently has 510 career rebounds, which is good for eighth on the school’s known Top 10 list. He needs six boards to pass Jeff Collie (1978-82) for seventh and 14 assists to pass Corey Jackson (1992-96) for eighth.
SJU (7-3, 4-1 MIAC) plays host to Augsburg this Wednesday, Jan. 6, in Collegeville. The Johnnies are 48-45 against the Auggies under the direction of Smith and have won nine of the last 10 meetings in Sexton Arena. SJU then hosts Concordia-Moorhead for a 3 p.m. game on Saturday, Jan. 9.
