Sophomore, Ypsilanti, Mich. (Ypsi Prep)
Sophomore Emoni Bates led the Eagles to two big home wins that not only snapped a five-game skid, but also kept the Eagles in the hunt for berth into the MAC Tournament. Bates nearly averaged a double-double as he averaged 20.5 points and 9.0 points in the two games. He started the week with 17 points and seven rebounds to help the Eagles come from behind, turning a 10-point deficit into a 66-59 win over the Broncos. He followed that with his fourth double-double of the season by scoring 24 points and pulling down 11 rebounds as EMU again came from 10 points down to win, 75-68, and move into the No. 8 position in the MAC standings with two games to play. All told, Bates currently ranks second in the league and 26th nationally in scoring.
Mekhi Lairy, Miami, Guard
Fifth Year, Evansville, Ind. ( Evansville Bosse)
Fifth year guard Mekhi Lairy averaged 19.5 ppg, 4.5 apg and 4.0 rpg to lead Miami over Bowling Green (74-65) and Ohio (85-68). With his leadership, Miami has now extended their win streak to three games. Lairy shot 52.0 percent from the field (13-of-25) and went 80.0 percent (8-of-10) from the free-throw line over the week. Against Bowling Green he scored 13 points, a game-high seven assists and added four rebounds. He followed this with a game-high 26-point performance versus arch-rival Ohio. Lairy went 66.7 percent (4-of-6) from three-point range and added four rebounds to take home a win on senior day. Lairy also moved into fourth place on the program's all-time career scoring list with 1,699, passing Eric Newsome (1984-88).