Jan. 8, 2007

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's Ahmad Nivins was named the Big 5 Player of the Week for January 8 after leading the Hawks to a pair of conference wins.

The 6-9 sophomore forward averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game as SJU opened conference with wins over Duquesne and Charlotte.

Nivins scored 17 points against the Dukes and tallied 12 of his 19 points in the second half as the Hawks rallied to the win at Charlotte.

On the week he shot 11-for-16 (68.7%) from the field and was 14-of-17 (82.3%) from the foul line.

Nivins leads Saint Joseph's in scoring and rebounding with averages of 16.2 ppg and 7.2 rpg.

The Hawks (9-5, 2-0 A-10) return to action on Wednesday evening for their Big 5 opener at Temple (7 p.m.)