Jan. 10, 2005

MACON, GA - For the second time this season, Florida Atlantic University's Mike Bell has been named Atlantic Sun Conference Player-of-the-Week, announced the conference office Monday afternoon. Bell had a dominating three-game stretch last week in which he averaged 23.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. The effort helped the Owls win two overtime games. Bell was voted A-Sun Preseason Player-of-the-Year in October.

Bell's week started last Monday at Mercer when the Owls defeated the Bears 104-101 in triple-overtime. Bell posted season highs with 29 points and 15 rebounds. He scored 14 of his points after the first half and seven in the final overtime. He went 12-for-20 from the floor, including 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Bell also posted three blocks and two assists.

Two days later, Bell scored 23 points in FAU's 75-73 loss at Georgia State. He went 9-for-14 from the floor and 5-for-7 from beyond the arc in 34 minutes of action. On Sunday against Stetson, he scored 19 points and added 11 rebounds as the Owls won 81-69 in overtime. Bell added two blocks and two assists in the Stetson game.

Bell was also named player-of-the-week on December 20 and has received the honor four times in his two seasons at FAU. He leads FAU overall with 18.1ppg and 8.8rpg. Both averages rank second in the A-Sun.

Florida Atlantic (3-9, 3-2 A-Sun), tied for fourth in the A-Sun, returns to the court Tuesday night when it hosts Jacksonville at 7:00pm. The game is the second of four straight at home. The Owls host UCF Thursday night at 8:30pm on Sunshine Network before closing out the homestand January 18 against Troy.