BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – For the third time this season, Bridgewater State University junior forward Michael Lofton has been selected as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Men’s Basketball Player of the Week.

A native of Mansfield, Massachusetts, Lofton averaged 24.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocked shots and 2.5 steals in a perfect 2-0 week for the Bears with MASCAC wins over Worcester State and Fitchburg State.  He also shot a sizzling 70.4% (19-27) from the floor.

Lofton matched his career-high with 29 points to go along with nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a 75-70 win over the Lancers.  He capped off the week with 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting in addition to eight board, two assists, two blocks and three steals in an 85-61 road victory over the Falcons.

In 24 games this season, Lofton is averaging 16.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as well as 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocked shots.  He leads the MASCAC and ranks fifth in all of Division III with a .662 field goal percentage.  Lofton also leads the conference in blocks and is third in rebounding and sixth in scoring.  He is also tied for fifth among the MASCAC leaders in steals and 11th in assists.

In 77 games over his first three seasons at Bridgewater State, Lofton has amassed 956 points, 610 rebounds, 117 assists, 119 blocked shots and 144 steals. His career field goal percentage stands at .639 (375-587) which presently ranks first in program history.

The BSU men’s basketball team is currently 14-10 on the season and 8-3 in the MASCAC.  A win over Salem State University in the Bears’ regular season finale on Tuesday night would clinch the conference title as well as the top spot in next week’s MASCAC Tournament.