THE FLATS – For the second consecutive season, Lorela Cubaj was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting a list of accolades for Georgia Tech, the Atlantic Coast Conference announced on Tuesday. Lotta-Maj Lahtinen also received recognition for the second consecutive year.
Cubaj also collected All-ACC First Team honors by both the Blue Ribbon Panel and league’s head coaches, and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team. Lahtinen garnered All-ACC honors for the second time in her career, earning honorable mention by the Blue Ribbon Panel.
One of the nation’s top defensive players, Cubaj continues to pace the league in rebounding, averaging 11.5 rebounds per game. She has amassed 333 total rebounds thus far, which tops the ACC and ranks 5th nationally, to become Georgia Tech’s all-time leading rebounder. The Terni, Italy, native ranks second nationally, and first in the ACC, in defensive rebounds per game, securing 9.4 on average. Cubaj is averaging a double-double behind 10.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, making her one of only two players in the ACC averaging a double-double on the season.
In addition to her rebounding domination, Cubaj leads Georgia Tech in assists with 128 to average 4.4 assists per game, making the Yellow Jacket the only post player in the league to lead their team in assists. Her 4.4 assists per game average ranks second overall in the ACC.
In recognition of her performance this season, Cubaj has landed on several national watch lists, most recently being named a semifinalist for the 2022 Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year Award. She also owns a spot on the Wade Trophy Watch List, Naismith Player of the Year Midseason Team and Katrina McClain Top 10 List.
Lahtinen is currently leading the Yellow Jackets in scoring, averaging 11.2 points per game. She has started 28 games this season and ties for the team lead in steals with 41 on the year. She also ranks second on the team in assists with 117, averaging 4.2 assists per game. The Helsinki, Finland, native has recorded 16 games scoring in double-figures and led the Jackets offensively in nine games.
Georgia Tech opens the 2022 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday facing either Wake Forest or Virginia. Tip is slated for 8 p.m. on RSN inside Greensboro Coliseum.