SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Chattanooga's Z. Mason has been named the Southern Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for all games played January 15-21. Mason averaged 22 points and 8.5 rebounds as the Mocs split a pair of game last week, defeating Appalachian State in overtime (91-88), before falling to Western Carolina (90-81).
Mason put together back-to-back 20-point performances for the first time in his career. He began the week with 23 points and 11 rebounds in UTC's come-from-behind victory over the Mountaineers on Thursday. The junior scored 13 of his 23 points in the final 11:36 as the Mocs overcame a 19-point deficit.
The Nashville, Tenn., native followed up that performance with 21 points and six rebounds against the Catamounts on Saturday.
Mason shot 54 percent (14-of-46) from the field and connected on 81 percent (13-of-16) of his free throw attempts. He added three assists, three steals and a blocked shot over the two games last week. He is averaging 17.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game since the holiday break.
Mason ranks 11th in the league in scoring (14.2 ppg), sixth in rebounds (7.2 rpg) and 10th in field goal percentage (.485).
The Mocs (8-11, 3-3 SoCon) return to action Thursday when they visit Elon (11-7, 4-2 SoCon).
Other top performers in the Southern Conference included Appalachian State's Tab Hamilton, College of Charleston's Andrew Lawrence, The Citadel's Matt Van Scyoc, Davidson's De'Mon Brooks, Elon's Lucas Troutman, Georgia Southern's C.J. Reed, Samford's Tim Williams, Western Carolina's Trey Sumler and Wofford's Karl Cochran.
SoCon Men's Basketball Player of the Week
Nov. 13 - Mike Groselle, The Citadel
Nov. 20 - Tim Williams, Samford
Nov. 27 - Lucas Troutman, Elon
Dec. 4 - Jay Canty, Appalachian State
Dec. 11 - Bobby Austin, Furman
Dec. 18 - Jake Cohen, Davidson
Jan. 2 - Andrew Lawrence, College of Charleston
Jan. 8 - Jake Cohen, Davidson
Jan. 15 - Adjehi Baru, College of Charleston
Jan. 22 - Z. Mason, Chattanooga