FLUSHING, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) York College men's basketball forward Olawale Kila and guard Tafari Jerome were recognized Monday, as the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) released its weekly awards for games played December 11-17. For the pair, these were the first CUNYAC weekly distinctions.

Kila averaged 24.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game on 60.9 percent shooting from the field and 89.5 percent from the line in a 1-2 week for the Cardinals. Visiting the United States Merchant Marine Academy Mariners (Dec. 13), he netted a team-high 19 points (7-of-13 FG, 5-of-6 FT) to go along with five rebounds in an 82-75 victory. Kila recorded his 12th career double-double against Western Connecticut State University (Dec. 15) with a 16-point and 13-rebound effort. Hosting Drew University (Dec. 16), the Nigerian native dropped a career-high 38 points (16-of-18 FG, 6-of-7 FT) and hauled in a game-best eight rebounds in a hard-fought encounter.

Across the season, the senior is averaging 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 47.7 percent (74-of-155) from the field and 72.1 (44-of-61) from the charity stripe. He leads the team in points and rebounds and is second in steals.

CUNYAC-wise, Kila is second in points, third in rebounding, and 14th in steals per game. He also ranks fourth in field-goal percentage and fifth in free throw percentage. In the NCAA Division III Statistical Rankings Summary, Kila places 69th in rebounds per game. 

Finding a rhythm as a starter, Jerome averaged 10 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 44.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc last week for York. Facing USMMA, the rookie scored 11 points (2-of-5 3FG) and was tied for a team-high three assists. Against WestConn, he netted a team-best two triples. The Brooklyn native scored 10 points (4-of-7 FG) and distributed a team-high five dimes against the Rangers. 

In 10 games this campaign, Jerome has averages of 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. He also leads York with 10 blocks. Among CUNYAC players, Jerome grades in the top-25 in points (23rd) and blocks (9th) per game. With this laurel, the Cardinals have won four CUNYAC Rookie of the Week honors, the most since the 2007-08 season.

Up Next 
Following a competitive non-conference slate, the Kila, Jerome and Cardinals continue their CUNYAC schedule January 3 with a road battle against the John Jay College Bloodhounds (4-6, 0-1 CUNYAC) starting at 8 p.m. inside The Doghouse. 

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