RELEASE DATE: 2/21/05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JASON BENSON NAMED PSAC EAST CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK

MANSFIELD- Jason Benson has been named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Co-Player of the Week for his outstanding performance during the week ending 2/20/05.

He shared the honor with Bilal Salaam from Kutztown University.

The 6’3” guard led the Mountaineers to two wins during the week to keep them in first place in the PSAC East and secure the their third straight PSAC playoff berth.  Benson averaged 23.0 points and 11.5 rebounds in Mansfield’s wins over Bloomsburg and Kutztown.  He was 24-28 from the free throw line, had eight steals and six assists in the victories. 

For the season, Benson is ranked 3^rd in the PSAC in scoring averaging 18.4 points per game.  He also averages 6.2 rebounds per game and has 51 assists, 39 steals and 10 blocked shots this season. 

This is the second time this season Benson has received this honor. 

This marks the 4^th time a Mountaineer has earned PSAC East Player of the Week this season. The other Mountaineers to receive this honor were: Brandon DeShields and Carlos Collazo.

Mansfield is in first place with an 8-2 record in the PSAC East and is 15-10 overall. 

The Mountaineers will travel to East Stroudsburg on Wednesday evening.