NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Shaikh Abdullah was selected Southern States Athletic Conference Player of the Week in men's tennis for March 29-April 4.
        Abdullah, a senior from Hyderabad, India, was 2-0 in doubles and 2-0 in singles to help XULA win twice, including its second victory of the season against NCAA Division I Nicholls. Abdullah — 7-0 in his last eight singles matches and 10-1 in his last 12 — defeated Piyush Surendra Salekar of Nicholls 6-0, 6-1 on the second court.
        Abdullah is 15-4 in singles and 17-5 in doubles this season. He leads XULA in doubles victories and won seven of his last eight matches.
        The XULA men have won two SSAC weekly awards this season. The other recipient was Santiago Perez.
        Next for XULA: four dual matches in three days at Marion, Ind. All the opponents are in the NAIA top 25. XULA is 8-8 and ranked 11th. The schedule (times Eastern):
        •  Noon Thursday vs. No. 20 Northwestern Ohio.
        •  1 p.m. Friday vs. No. 8 Union (Ky.)
        •  11 a.m. Saturday vs. No. 4 Cardinal Stritch.
        •  4 p.m. Saturday vs. No. 7 Indiana Wesleyan.