PDF of Release
For the second consecutive week and the fourth time this season, University of Montana guard Anthony Johnson has been selected as the Big Sky Conference men’s basketball Player of the Week.
The 6-foot-3 senior from Tacoma, Wash., averaged 24 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game, leading the Grizzlies to home conference victories over first-place Weber State and Idaho State. He shot 52.6 percent from the floor, 66.7 percent from 3-point range, and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line in the two games.
Johnson scored 18 points with five assists and four rebounds in Montana’s 75-61 victory over Weber State on Friday. Johnson made 12-of-14 shots from the free-throw line. Johnson scored 16 of his 18 in the second half. UM snapped a six-game losing streak to Weber State, which dated back to the 2006-07 season.
Johnson came back on Saturday with a season-high 30 points in a 91-68 victory over Idaho State. Johnson was 7-of-10 from the field, 4-of-6 from 3-point range, and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line. Johnson also added two assists and a rebound.
Montana has won four consecutive games and seven of eight to move into third place in the conference standings. Johnson has averaged 23.8 points per game, made 39-of-44 free throws and 66.7 percent of his 3-pointers during the four-game run.
This is Johnson’s eighth career Player of the Week honor.
Others Nominated
Jeffrey Forbes, G, Eastern Washington: Averaged 18 points and with three assists in a loss.
Broderick Gilchrest, G, Idaho State: Averaged 23 points in two losses.
Bobby Howard, F, Montana State: Averaged 18 points and 5.5 rebounds in a win and a loss.
Cameron Jones, G, Northern Arizona: Scored 17 points with nine rebounds in a loss.
Devon Beitzel, G, Northern Colorado: Scored 24 points with seven rebounds in a win.
Julius Thomas, F, Portland State: Averaged 17.5 points and six rebounds in a win and a loss.
Justin Eller, C, Sacramento State: Averaged 17.5 points and four rebounds in a win and a loss.
Damian Lillard, G, Weber State: Averaged 24.5 points and six rebounds in a win and a loss.