Manitoba's Simon Hildebrandt has been named the Canada West Basketball Players of the Week by the conference on Tuesday.
Hildebrandt led the Bisons to a statement weekend, posting 46 points as Manitoba upset the Alberta Golden Bears in back-to-back games. The rookie forward contributed all over the floor, scoring in a variety of ways while setting up plays and showing up big on defence. His efforts helped the Bisons hand the Bears their first regular season loss since February 2020.
He notched 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal in the 100-81 victory.
In the rematch Saturday, the hometown hero was determined to prove the season opener wasn't a fluke. He went off for 28 points as the teams battled tooth and nail, swinging back and forth until the game's second overtime. That's when Hildebrant's nerves of steel paid off, as the forward made two key free throws with the game tied and time winding down.
The free throws were two of Hildebrandt's 14, as he went perfect from the line, each bucket instrumental in the tight match.
He added six rebounds, two assists, a block and steal on the night, sending a statement to the league as the Bisons started their season with wins over the team ranked second in the preseason coaches' poll.
Hildebrandt and the Bisons will be back in action Friday and Saturday when they travel to take on the Fraser Valley Cascades at 8 p.m. and 7 p.m. PST. You can catch the action exclusively on Canada West TV.
Game log:
- Nov. 4: 18 pts, 6 rebs, 2 asts, 1 stl in 100-81 W vs ALB
- Nov. 5: 28 pts, 6 rebs, 2 asts, 1 blk, 1 stl in 93-88 W vs ALB