By: Jeff Evans, Assistant AD for Athletic Communications
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – For the second time this season, Western Washington University sophomore guard
Aidan Rice has been selected as the GNAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week.
Rice recorded consecutive 30-point games to open conference play, combining for 69 points in games against Northwest Nazarene on Thursday (37 points) and Central Washington on Saturday (32 points).
In the two GNAC contests, Rice averaged 34.5 points per game on 22-for-33 shooting (66.7-percent) and went 10-for-15 from three-point range (66.7-percent). He also averaged 3.5 assists per game and 3.0 rebounds per contest.
"Aidan was very determined to help our team get back on track. He had laser focus on both ends, but his leadership really stood out," said WWU head coach
Tony Dominguez. "He has been working on helping our team with focus on each possession. He did have standout performances on offense which helps us for sure, but his intangible plays really helped us Saturday against a very good team."
Rice (Beaverton, OR) became the first Viking since Taylor Stafford in 2017 to record back-to-back 30-point games. In 10 games this season, Rice has recorded a trio of 30-point performances, scored in double-digits eight times and ranks third in the GNAC averaging 21.3 points per game.
WWU (4-6, 1-1 GNAC) returns to non-conference play for its next three games, beginning with a Sunday 3 pm contest against Langara on WECU Court in Carver Gym. The Vikings then host the Great Western Shootout December 19-20 at College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, playing Colorado Mesa (4-4) and nationally ranked Missouri S&T (5-1).
