Paul Thomas’ big week leads to C-USA Player of the Week Honors

Paul Thomas posted back-to-back double-doubles in UTEP’s Texas sweep of North Texas, and Rice, earning him his first career C-USA Player of the Week award.

He averaged 20.0 points and 12.5 rebounds, shooting 68 percent (17-for-25) from the field and 85.7 percent (6-for-7) from the line. He also collected five assists, a block and four steals over 69 minutes (34.5 mpg) of action.

Thomas put up career-highs for points (23) and rebounds (14), making 10-of-16 shots in a 77-71 victory at North Texas Feb. 16. He tied the the game late with an offensive rebound, and three-point play, dominating the boards and lifting UTEP to a road win.

The Houston native also led UTEP in scoring for the first time in his career, and became the second Miner to lead the team in points, rebounds and assists in a game this season against North Texas.

Two days later, he scored 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, and pulled down 11 rebounds with two steals over 29 minutes in a 79-71 triumph at Rice. Thomas scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half against the Owls.

UTEP has won six of their last seven, and now have three player of the week awards this season.