UC Santa Barbara junior Alan Williams (Phoenix, Ariz./North HS) tied two school records in leading the Gauchos to a win over South Dakota State, earning Big West Men’s Basketball Player of the Week honors.

The 6-7 forward equaled Gaucho single-game records in points (39) and blocked shots (8) in an 83-64 victory over the Jackrabbits, an NCAA Tournament team in 2013.  The eight blocks tied for the third-most in Big West history.

Williams scored 26 of his points in the decisive second half on 10-of-12 shooting from the field as the Gauchos distanced themselves from South Dakota State after leading by just two at halftime.  He made 16-of-25 shots overall and hit 7-of-9 from the charity stripe.  Williams added nine rebounds, three steals and a pair of assists.

It was an impressive return to the court for Williams, who had missed the previous two games with back spasms.

Others nominated: Chris Eversley (Cal Poly); Stephan Hicks (Cal State Northridge); Mike Caffey (Long Beach State); Chris McNealy (UC Irvine); Christian Standhardinger (Hawai‘i)