Balian Named Big Sky Player of the Week
1/3/2011 2:40:09 PM | Women's Basketball
Senior Sarah Balian was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week for her efforts in MSU's victories over BYU and Utah Valley, last weekend.
Montana State's Sarah Balian has been named the Big Sky Player of the Week for games played the week of December 27 - January 2. This is the first weekly award this season for the senior from Shoreline, Wash.
Balian averaged 16 points and 13 rebounds per game as Montana State completed a non-conference sweep of Brigham Young and Utah Valley, on the road, last weekend. In the Bobcats' upset win at BYU, Balian posted 16 points and 13 rebounds, while adding three steals. It was Brigham Young's first home loss of the season and snapped MSU's six-game losing streak to the Cougars.
On New Year's Day Montana State defeated Utah Valley 79-70. Balian matched her total again with 16 points and 13 boards, for her third double-double of the season. Against the Wolverines, she also recorded two assists and a blocked shot. For the weekend, Balian shot 44 percent from the field and 71 percent from the line as Montana State ran its current winning streak to four games.
Others Nominated: Brianne Ryan, Eastern Washington; Chelsea Pickering, Idaho State; Sarah Ena, Montana; Tyler Stephens-Jenkins, Northern Arizona; Lauren Oosdyke, Northern Colorado; Eryn Jones, Portland State; Caitlin Anderson, Weber State
