RICHARDSON, Texas (December 23, 2025) - Lubbock Christian University junior forward Antonio Pusateri was named the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Tuesday. 

It is the second time this season Pusateri has earned the league's defensive award, and fellow Chap Alex Anamekwe has won it once. LCU has also claimed a pair of LSC Offensive Player of the Week awards, both by Amondo Miller Jr. 

Pusateri averaged 13 rebounds over four games – including pulling down a season-high 21 boards – to lead the No. 7-ranked Chaps to a three-win week. The California native also averaged 20 points and added five steals and three blocks as the Chaps' only loss was to top-ranked Washburn. Pusateri had a 20-20 double double in an 85-65 victory against Dominican in Las Vegas with 23 points and the 21 boards. It was the most rebounds in the LSC this season and second most in all of NCAA Division II this year. He followed that up with 20 points and 18 rebounds in a one-point win over No. 12 West Liberty.

In LCU's 14 games this season, Pusateri is averaging a double-double with 15.4 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. He is shooting 55.5 percent from the field and has 14 steals and 12 blocks. He has eight double-doubles on the year, which is the most in the country. 

The Chaparrals enter the holiday break 12-2 overall with a 3-1 record in Lone Star Conference play. They will return to action at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 5 against St. Edward's.