LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University men's basketball senior forward Mervin James (St. Thomas, USVI/Pebblebrook [North Alabama]) has been named MAAC Player of the Week, the league office today announced. James averaged 22.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.0 blocks per game, shooting 56.3 percent (18-32) from the floor and 72.7 percent (8-11) from the free-throw line in the Broncs' 1-1 week. The honor is the second of the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year's career, having also been selected MAAC Player of the Week on Jan. 23, 2023.

Rider earned an 88-85 overtime victory at Delaware, ranked No. 95 in the NET rankings at the time of the game, with James going for 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including 1-of-3 from long range and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line. He added seven rebounds, matched his season high with four blocks and dished out two assists.

James then went for his third double-double of the year with 20 points and 12 rebounds in an overtime setback to Penn on Saturday. He made 8-of-16 from the floor and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line, dished out four assists, blocked two shots and made two steals. James averaged 41.0 minutes in the two games.

The Broncs return to action Friday, when they travel to Penn State. Tip-off from University Park, PA, is scheduled for 2 p.m.