IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine sophomore Bent Leuchten was named Big West Player of the Week after leading the Anteaters to a 2-0 week defeating both UC Davis and rival Long Beach State.

This is the first honor of Leuchten's career.

In a stellar individual performance at UC Davis, Leuchten posted a career high 31 points on 12-15 shooting in the 88-83 victory. The last time an Anteater put up 30 or more points was Collin Welp's 30-point game against UC Riverside on Jan. 8, 2022. The center also set career bests in field goals made (12), field goal attempts (15), three-point field goals made (2), and free throws made (5).

In the Anteaters Big West home opener against rival Long Beach State, Leuchten tallied his fourth consecutive double digit performance with 15 points on 5-6 shooting, going a perfect 2-2 from three-point range and 3-3 at the line. The sophomore contributed four rebounds and one steal in the 87-70 victory.

Bent recorded an impressive stat line over the last two contests, shooting 17-21 (0.810) from the field, 4-5 (0.800) from three-point range, and 8-9 (0.889) from the line to average 23 points a game.

Leuchten and the Anteaters will face Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday (Jan. 11) for a 7 p.m. tip at the Bren Events Center.