By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University senior forward Jordan Jenkins (Placentia, CA/Valencia HS) has been selected as the Northwest Conference Men's Basketball Student-Athlete of the Week for his contributions in games against Whitman College on Jan. 25 and Whitworth University on Jan. 26. The Bearcats lost to #3-ranked Whitman, before defeating #5-ranked Whitworth, 95-93.

Jenkins averaged 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game during the week. He shot 61.9% on field goals (13 of 21) and sank 15 of 17 free throws (88.2%). Against Whitman, he scored 18 points, grabbed six rebounds, had four assists and a steal. In the win over Whitworth, he led all players with 23 points, while earning nine rebounds and seven assists.

Willamette's victory against Whitworth ended a string of 22 consecutive wins by Whitworth in the series since the Bearcats downed the Pirates 82-74 on Feb. 2, 2008 in Spokane, Washington. The streak included an NWC Tournament win by Whitworth over Willamette at the end of the 2014-15 season.

In Saturday's win for the Bearcats, Jenkins put through 9 of 13 field goal attempts (69.2%). He is shooting 57.8% for the season, and is averaging 18.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. He has scored 20 or more points in three of Willamette's last four games and has reached double figures in 18 of 19 games this year.

"Jordan's consistency night in and night out has really been the security blanket for the rest of the team," Willamette Head Coach Kip Ioane said. "They know they can count on him for his production and that allows them to play free."

Jenkins has increased his career scoring to 965 points in 74 games played (65 starts). His career totals also include 511 rebounds, 189 assists and 58 blocked shots.

It is the second time this season that Jenkins has been chosen as the NWC Men's Basketball Student-Athlete of the Week. He also received the award on Dec. 10.

The Bearcats will be back in action on Friday, Jan. 1, when they are set to host Pacific Lutheran University. Game time at Cone Field House is set for 8 p.m. (PST).