ST. LOUIS – Briyana Blair of the University of Evansville women’s basketball has been named the Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced today.  Receiving the honor for the third time this season, Blair was honored for her performance during the period of January 2-8.

Blair recorded her fourth double-double of the season on 19 points and 20 rebounds in UE’s 71-59 victory over Bradley that snapped BU’s eight-game road win streak and marked the Aces’ first Valley win of the season and first for Coach Oties Epps. Blair’s 20 rebounds not only represented a career-high, but also marked the first time an Ace has pulled down 20 or more boards in a game since 1998. In addition, Blair was just three assists shy of becoming the first Purple Aces in program history to earn a triple-double, as she had an all-around stellar game adding seven assists, three blocks, and three steals.

Against Northern Iowa, Blair logged nine points and 13 rebounds. On the week, the Orlando, Fla. native totaled 28 points, 33 rebounds, and 12 assists with a 4.00 assist-to-turnover ratio (12-3). Blair has recorded at least 13 boards in each of the last three MVC games, averaging a double-double with 11.3 point and 13.5 rebounds per game in the Valley season.

Blair graduated Cum Laude last May with a B.S. in Exercise Science and minor in Psychology. She is in her first year of the doctorate of physical therapy school at UE with a 3.62 GPA.

Now in its 13th year of existence, The Valley’s Scholar-Athlete program is sponsored by Prairie Farms, Roberts and Hiland Dairies.  On a weekly basis, the Conference honors its student-athletes for their athletic performance for a one-week period and academic success in the classroom.

To qualify for Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.20, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing.  Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible.  In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.

Blair and the rest of the Aces are back in action tonight when they journey to Omaha, Neb. to face Creighton University at 7:05 p.m. CT. Evansville will also play at Drake Saturday at 2:05 p.m. CT.