A nuclear fuel assembly lower end fitting. Two plates each having a network of diagonal and lateral ribs in conjunction with hubs for the guide thimble hole pattern are provided. The pitch between ribs corresponds to one-half of the fuel rod pitch. This allows for the fuel rods to be supported by every other rib. One plate is rotated horizontally ninety degrees relative to the other plate so that the lateral ribs of the plates are at right angles. A screen formed from approximately 0.03 inch diameter wire with 0.100 inch pitch is provided with guide tube bosses. The plates and screen are rigidly attached to each other to form a debris filtering lower end fitting.