Jan. 21, 2008

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Justin Castleberry (Upper Marlboro, Md./Archbishop Spalding), a junior guard on the Bucknell men's basketball team, has been named the Damon's Bison Athlete of the Week after turning in two big second-half performances in a pair of conference victories last week.

Castleberry combined for 37 points in Bucknell's wins over American and Holy Cross, 26 of them coming after halftime in each game. Against American on Wednesday, Castleberry helped Bucknell rally from an 11-point halftime deficit with 11 second-half points. He iced the game from the free-throw line, going 6-for-6 in the final 25 seconds. Each pair of free throws stretched a two-point lead to four, and the Bison prevailed 66-62.

Against Holy Cross on Friday night, Castleberry scored 15 of his game-high 22 points in the second half, including eight straight Bucknell points in a key 10-2 run that snapped a 46-all tie. Again he clinched the game at the line, going 7-for-8 in the final 1:09.

The 22 points against the Crusaders tied his career high, and he also set personal bests for free throws made (13) and attempted (15) in a game.

Castleberry has now scored in double figures in seven straight games and in 12 of 17 contests this season. He has also taken over the team scoring lead by upping his average to 12.9 ppg, the 10th-best figure in the Patriot League.

The Bison are now 3-0 in the Patriot League (8-9 overall) heading into Wednesday night's battle for first place at Lafayette. The Leopards are also off to a 3-0 start in the conference. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. at Kirby Sports Center.