SMU senior guard Quinton Ross was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week for the week ending Jan. 26. Ross averaged 26 points and 6.5 rebounds in SMU’s road wins against Rice and Tulsa.

Against Rice, Ross burned the Owls for 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Against Tulsa, he followed with a strong performance against Tulsa. Ross tormented the Golden Hurricane for 25 points and led SMU to its first win at the Reynolds Center in school history.

For the week, he shot 16-of-30 (.533) from the field, 3-of-7 (.429) from three-point range, 17-of-18 (.944) from the line and averaged 2.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

The award marks the second time this season that Ross has won the honor, the only player in the conference that can boast the feat.

Ross is right in the race for the conference scoring title. Hawaii guard Carl English has held the title much of the season, but Ross’ play as of late can put him over the top.

The conference foes have raised an intriguing question among the WAC contingency.

Who is the best scorer, if not the best player, in the conference?

Ross beat English to the preseason punch when Lindy’s named him the WAC’s “Top NBA Prospect” and “Most Versatile Player,” passing on English for the same accolades.

Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook called Ross the preseason WAC Player of the Year. Even Street & Smith’s, the collegiate athletics Bible, named Ross the WAC’s “Top Athlete.”

English was pegged the preseason WAC Player of the Year by the conference and is a nominee for the John R. Wooden Award.

English, also a senior, will visit SMU for his final showdown with Ross on Feb. 8.