Sam Willard (Pierre, S.D./T.F. Riggs HS) fueled a big Pacific comeback road win against UTEP, equalling his career high for points and earning the first Big West Men's Basketball Player of the Week award for the 2010-11 season.

Willard poured in 23 points and added 12 rebounds as the Tigers won their season opener 66-61 in front of 12,222 fans in El Paso, Tex.  It was his third consecutive double-double dating back to last season.

The senior served as a catalyst to Pacific's second half comeback.  Willard produced 12 points and 10 rebounds in the second stanza, helping the Tigers erase a 36-25 halftime deficit.  Willard had seven points during Pacific's 15-2 run to open the second half.

Willard shot 10 of 18 from the field and tied career highs with two three-pointers and 38 minutes.  He also blocked a pair of shots.

Others nominated:  Will Donahue (Cal Poly); Orane Chin (Cal State Fullerton); Orlando Johnson (UC Santa Barbara)