Fortes Named MASCAC Men's Basketball Co-Player of the Week

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- For the second time this season, Bridgewater State University senior forward Anthony Fortes has been selected as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Men’s Basketball Player of the Week.  Fortes shares this week’s honor along with Westfield State junior center Matt Devine.

Fortes averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 79% (15-19) at the free throw line in a perfect 2-0 MASCAC week for the Bears.  The Providence, Rhode Island native notched 18 points, six boards and six assists in a 69-55 win on the road at Framingham State, and capped off the week with 23-point, four-rebound, five-assist, three-steal performance in a 68-59 road triumph at Westfield.

In 19 games this season, Fortes is averaging 14.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 35% (20-57) from three-point range.  He currently ranks fourth in the MASCAC in assist to turnover ratio, fifth in assists, eighth in scoring and minutes played, and tenth in three-point field goal percentage.

In 47 games over two seasons at Bridgewater State, Fortes has accumulated 543 points, 225 rebounds, and 117 assists.  He also registered 211 points, 109 boards and 28 assists in 27 games at Rhode Island College in 2007-2008.

The Bridgewater State men’s basketball team is currently 12-8 on the season and 7-2 in MASCAC play.  The Bears, who lead Salem State by a half game atop the conference standings, have won three straight games, six of their last seven, and nine of their last 11.

In upcoming action, Bridgewater will travel to non-conference foe Bowdoin College on Tuesday night for a seven o’clock game with the Polar Bears.  The Bears then host MASCAC rival Worcester State University on Saturday evening at 5:30.