Nunnally wins Big West Player of the Week

UCSB Men's basketball freshman guard James Nunnally won the Big West Conference Player of the Week Award for his play against UC-Riverside and Long Beach State. Nunnally led the Gauchos to victories against the Highlanders and 49ers, respectively, averaging 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals in the two games. He shot 11-of-17 from the field, 64.7%, 6-of-9 from three-point range, 66.7%, and 7-of-8 from the free throw line, 87.5%. More importantly, he scored the winning basket with time running out, hitting a 3 point basket in defeating LBSU 76-75. He scored 15 points in the last 6:54 of the game.

Nunnally joins Chris Devine as the only UCSB players to earn the Big West Player of the Week award this season. Devine has won it two times, back-to-back weeks, on Feb. 16 and Feb. 23.

The Gauchos play in a Big West Conference Tournament quarterfinal game this Thursday, March 12 at the Anaheim Convention Center. They play in the second game of the 6:00 pm evening session. Their opponent is yet to be determined.