Babbitt named WAC player of the week

Luke Babbitt of the Nevada Wolf Pack was named the Western Athletic Conference's men's basketball Player of the Week on Monday.

Babbitt, a 2008 Galena High graduate, helped the Wolf Pack to a 2-0 record last week with wins over New Mexico State and San Jose State. This is the third WAC Player of the Week award for the Wolf Pack sophomore.

Babbitt scored 26 points with 11 rebounds in Monday's 77-67 victory at New Mexico State. He made 10-of-14 shots from the field, including all three of his three-point attempts.

The 6-foot-8 forward scored 20 points with 10 rebounds in Saturday's 96-67 win against San Jose State at Lawlor Events Center. It was his league-leading 11th double-double of the season. He also matched his career high with four assists and added a pair of steals.

On the week, Babbitt averaged 23.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He shot 58.3 percent (14-of-24) from the field and hit 87.5 percent (14-of-16) of his free throws.

Other nominees for the award included Fresno State sophomore guard/forward Paul George, Idaho senior guard Mac Hopson, Louisiana Tech senior guard Kyle Gibson and New Mexico State senior guard Jonathan Gibson.

The Wolf Pack, 10-6 overall and 2-1 in the WAC, will host Utah State Wednesday night (8:05 p.m.) at Lawlor Events Center. The Wolf Pack is 8-0 at home this season.