GROSS SWEEPS NATIONAL AND CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS FOR THE SECOND-STRAIGHT WEEK

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Olivet Nazarene University men's basketball center Alex Gross was awarded his second consecutive National Men's Basketball Player of the Week and CCAC Player of the Week award.  Both leagues announced their selections on Tuesday.  This is Gross' third National Player of the Week and seventh CCAC honor. 

A native of Hope, Ind., Gross turned in another spectacular week on the hardcourt. On Senior Day against Governors State, the Tiger big man dropped in a career-high 43 points, which is his second career-40-point game.  Gross also was active on the glass, grabbing 17 rebounds.  He also added five assists and three blocks on the day.  In the 76-71 victory over Saint Xavier, Gross scored 26 points and grabbed 14 boards, while also adding four assists and three blocks.  Gross also shot an astonishing 65.9% from the field and 88.2% from the charity strike. 

On the season, Gross leads the NAIA in a variety of different categories including rebounds a game (14.2), total blocks (99), and total rebounds (411).  The Tiger big man is also top 10 in total assists (156), blocks a game (3.4), total points (662), and field goals made (266). 

The Tigers finished the regular season going 27-3 with a 21-1 mark in the CCAC. Those 21 wins are the most conference wins in program history.  Additionally, the Tigers clinched the CCAC Regular Season Title and advanced to the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championships for the fourth-straight season, setting a new program record. The Tigers are currently No. 13 in the nation from the latest Top 25 NAIA Coaches Poll. 

The No. 13 Tigers open CCAC Tournament Play on Wednesday, February 23rd as they host the Fighting Saints of University of St. Francis.  Tipoff inside McHie Arena is set for 7 p.m.

--ONU—

*Contact: Sam Viebrock, Sports Information Director, stviebrock@olivet.edu