Melonas Named PacWest Player of the Week

If University of Hawai`i at Hilo men’s basketball coach Jeff Law could ask for a belated Christmas present, he would ask for the same output forward Michael Melonas has given in his last two games.

Melonas’ most recent performance, a 26 point and 13 rebound effort against Champion Baptist, earned him the PacWest Conference’s Player of the Week award for the final calendar week of 2012.

In the 116-54 rout of the Tigers, Melonas shot just over 57 percent from the field, making 12 of his 21 shot attempts. He also added four assists and three steals in 25 minutes of action. That performance followed a 23 point, 10 rebound effort in a 77-75 loss to St. Edwards on December 9.

On the season, Melonas averages 12.4 points per game, ranking third on the team. His 7.8 rebounds per game and .593 shooting percentage are both team leading statistics.

UH Hilo is 2-8 on the season and 0-2 in PacWest play. The Vulcans return to conference play on Thursday when they host Notre Dame de Namur University. The men’s game will follow the women’s matchup at 5:00 p.m. at the UH Hilo Gymnasium.