Jan. 7, 2013

NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Utah Valley University's Ben Airdhas been named Great West Conference Player of the Week after last week's triple-double performance in the GWC opener. The award was announced Monday by the conference office.

Aird finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds and 10 blocks in the league's opening game, a 57-52 loss to NJIT. The 26-point output matched his career high and the 10 blocks broke his own school mark, which was set earlier this season against Troy.

"Ben gave a wonderful effort on Saturday," said UVU head coach Dick Hunsaker. "Unfortunately it wasn't rewarded with a win, but to receive the player of the week award is a nice recognition."

The junior from Bountiful, Utah, is the second player in UVU's Division I history to achieve the triple-double as his teammate, Nick Thompson, managed the feat Dec. 28 against Austin Peay.

Utah Valley plays a non-conference contest on Wednesday at UMKC in Kansas City before returning home to host Houston Baptist in Great West action on Saturday.