UCSB’s Michael Bryson
IRVINE – Efficiency led UC Santa Barbara sophomore Michael Bryson (Sacramento, Calif./Foothill HS) to his second Big West Men’s Basketball Player of the Week award for 2013-14.
The 6-4 guard needed just 16 total shots in two games to average 14 points as the Gauchos knocked off Long Beach State (64-51) and Cal State Northridge (79-69). UCSB has won eight of its last 10 games.
For the week, Bryson shot 75.0 (12 of 16) percent from the field and 57.1 (4 of 7) percent from long range while averaging 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game.
“We had two very important team wins last weekend and Michael was a big reason,” said head coach Bob Williams. “He shot the ball extremely well and made some real big, momentum-changing, baskets.”
Bryson hit six of eight shots to help the Gauchos beat LBSU for the first time in the regular season since 2010. He added nine rebounds in the game to just miss his second double-double of the season.
Bryson knocked down six of eight shots once again against the Matadors, helping UCSB hand them just their second home loss in nine games. He drained a trio of three-pointers (in five attempts) and pulled down five rebounds in the effort.
Bryson’s honor gives the Gauchos five Big West Player of the Week winners in 2013-14. Alan Williams has won the award three times to go along with his teammate’s two times.
