Dec. 23, 2008

Frisco, Texas - UT Arlington senior guard Candice Champion was named the Southland Conference women's basketball player of the week as voted upon by the league's sports information directors. Champion is the first player this season to claim two weekly awards, giving UTA a league-leading three weekly awards on the year.

Last week, sophomore Tamara Simmons earned her first Southland Player of the Week title for her efforts against nationally-ranked opponent Kansas State (12/14).

In two non-conference match-ups this past weekend at the Bahamas Tournament, senior Candice Champion collected 43 points, 17 rebounds and was one of four players selected to the all-tournament team.

In game one against Memphis (12/18), Champion notched a game high 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 7-of-8 from the charity stripe and brought down nine boards in an 84-45 victory. The senior forward followed that performance with a game high 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, 8-of-12 from the free throw line and added eight rebounds in the championship game against Georgia Tech (12/20).

Champion leads the team in shooting with 16.8 points per game and has finished in double figures in nine games this season.

This week's honorable mentions are Caitlyn Baggett, McNeese State; Kristy Carlin, SLU; Nikki Williams, LU. To receive an honorable mention, a player must receive votes from 25 percent of the Southland women's basketball sports information directors.

Each school's SID nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for their own player.