Ross Rivera (Visalia, Calif./College of the Sequoias) contributed quality minutes off the bench in home victories against Nevada and San Francisco, netting the Pacific junior Big West Men's Basketball Player of the Week honors.

Rivera, who started the first seven games of the season, played a key reserve role as the Tigers defeated the Wolf Pack (78-72 in OT) and Dons (67-59).

In 29 minutes against Nevada, Rivera posted 14 points, three rebounds and block on 5 of 9 shooting.  The 6-7 forward scored nine points in the first half and hit his only three-point attempt of the game.

Rivera was brutally efficient in the win over the Dons in just 15 minutes of action.  He poured in a season-high 17 points and grabbed six rebounds.  With USF leading 37-29, Rivera keyed a 13-2 run with nine points that gave the Tigers their first lead of the game at 42-39 with 11:55 to play.  He also provided a crucial basket with :27 remaining to increase the Tiger lead to six and cement the victory.

For the week, Rivera made 12 of 19 floor shots, 63.2%.  He also knocked down 5 of 6 from the free throw line while averaging 15.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Others nominated: Chris Eversley (Cal Poly); Stephan Hicks (Cal State Northridge)