Wilcox gets PAC honor

Bethany College junior forward Nick Wilcox, a Venetia native and Peters Township graduate, has been named the Presidents' Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week after leading the Bison to a pair of victories.

In wins over Carnegie Mellon (88-75) and Thomas More (89-74), the 6-3 Wilcox averaged 21.5 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Against Carnegie Mellon, Bethany trailed by three at halftime, but Wilcox scored 16 of his game-high 24 points in the second half to help the Bison rally. Wilcox also had six steals, five rebounds and four steals.

The Bison ran their record to 8-0 overall and 3-0 in the PAC Saturday by handing Thomas More its first conference loss. Wilcox again led the way with 19 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. He also had six assists, four steals and two blocked shots. The victory gave Bethany its longest winning streak since the 2006-07 season and the program's best start since going 18-0 in 1963-64.

Wilcox is first in the PAC in steals (4.0) and offensive rebounds (4.5) while ranking second in assists (3.88).

"Nick optimizes everything you want in a college basketball player," said Bison head coach Andrew Sachs. "He comes play to play every night, has a strong desire to win and makes everyone around him better."

A pre-physical therapy major, Nick is the son of Sharon and David Lacey.

PAC expanding?

The Presidents' Athletic Conference has scheduled a media conference call for 2 p.m. Tuesday "for a conference membership announcement." No other details released.

Convocation center opening

California University will open its new 6,000-seat convocation center Saturday with a men's and women's basketball doubleheader against Mansfield.

Doors will open at 11 a.m. The women's game will tip at 1 p.m. followed by the men's game at approximately 3 p.m. A dedication ceremony will be held between games.

California also will host Bloomsburg Sunday with 1 and 3 p.m. start times.