EDISON, N.J. – After leading Fairfield University Men's Basketball in both ends of a 2-0 week of MAAC action, Brandon Benjamin has been recognized by the conference as its Player and Rookie of the Week. Benjamin wins Rookie of the Week for the seventh time in 2025-26 and claims his first Player of the Week nod.
 
For the week, Benjamin averaged 19.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game in victories over Sacred Heart and Marist. Benjamin shot 16-for-23 (.696) from the floor and converted seven of his 10 free throw attempts. The rookie sensation pulled down eight of his 27 rebounds from the offensive glass and filled out his weekly statsheet with five blocks, three assists, and three steals.
 
In Thursday's win at Sacred Heart, Benjamin netted a career-high 26 points and matched his personal standard with15 rebounds. He scored 18 points in the second half, including a crucial rebound and putback that extended the lead to 90-87 with under 20 seconds to play.
 
His encore performance in Saturday's home win over Marist featured 13 points and 12 rebounds to complete his MAAC-leading 13th double-double of the season.
 
This season, Benjamin leads the MAAC and ranks seventh in the nation with 10.6 rebounds per game – including a mark of 4.44 offensive boards per contest that is good for second in the nation. Benjamin is also second in the MAAC with a .589 field goal percentage and with 1.64 blocks per game. His 14.4 points per outing rank second on the team and 11th in the conference.
 
Benjamin's seventh MAAC Rookie of the Week honor also marks the third consecutive time that he has won the award. The Fairfield program record is 10 Rookie of the Week awards, established by Derek Needham in 2009-10. Siena's Jalen Pickett – currently of the Denver Nuggets – set the MAAC standard with 11 in 2018-19.
 
Fairfield Men's Basketball is amid a seven-day hiatus between games. Winners of five of their last six, the Stags return to the court on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Saint Peter's.
 
Action is back at Leo D. Mahoney Arena when Fairfield hosts crosstown foe Sacred Heart on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX.