January 29, 2007 - Jason Thompson Honored by the MAAC

January 29, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Men’s College Basketball
Rider’s Thompson Honored by MAAC

LAWRENCEVILLE—Jason Thompson of the Rider University basketball team was named the co-winner of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Week award for all games played January 22-28. "Jason was unbelievable," said Rider head coach Tommy Dempsey. It marked the second time this season Thompson has shared this award.

A junior forward from Mt. Laurel (Lenape High), Thompson led Rider to an 84-78 victory over Siena Saturday in Rider’s only game of the week. Trailing 73-71, Rider (11-9, 5-5 MAAC) out-scored Siena (11-9, 6-4 MAAC) 13-2, eight points by Thompson, to take an 84-75 lead with six seconds remaining.

"Jason stepped up and had one of the best games of his career on a night when his team really needed a win," Dempsey said. "That is a sign that he is maturing as a leader and I was happy to see the MAAC recognize him for his effort."

Thompson tied his career-high for points with 31 and set new career highs in rebounds (16), blocks (seven), and free throws made (15 of 18), and also had three assists. Thompson made eight of eight foul shots in the final 3:16 of the game.

"Jason is a very unselfish player," Dempsey said. "He’s a very good passer when teams double team him, and you can’t cover him one on one. When he’s going well, the ball has to go in to him."

Thompson is now 21st in career scoring (1,118) and 10th in career rebounding (645) at Rider.

"Rider is a very good team with one of the best players (Thompson) in the league," said Siena head coach Fran McCaffery. "Jason did it all at both ends against us, and that’s what the great ones do."

Rider plays Saint Peter’s Monday evening.

-RU-