FROM STAFF REPORTS

University of Montevallo senior D.J. RIvera was named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week in men’s basketball Feb. 27.

Rivera, a guard, led the Falcons to a pair of victories to close out the 2011-2012 regular season. Rivera closed out the regular season by averaging 27.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as the Falcons captured the top seed in the West Division.

Rivera scored 35 points in a much-needed overtime win on the road at Clayton State, providing almost half the Falcons’ points on his own. He was a perfect 14-of-14 from the free-throw line, which broke the Montevallo record for free throws made in a game and free-throw percentage in a game.

Rivera then scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a win over North Georgia that clinched the No. 1 seed. His efforts moved him back into the top spot on the scoring chart with 22.3 points per game. He also leads the league in steals.

Rivera and the rest of the Falcons return to action this Friday, March 2 at noon as they travel to Columbus, Ga., for the Peach Belt Conference tournament. The Falcons will take on UNC-Pembroke in their tournament opener.