Gainesville, FL

Karmello Branch has been named the FCSAA Player of the Week after averaging 30 points per game on 55% shooting from the field. Branch was 20-36 from the field and 6-17 from the three point line on the week. The Tampa, Florida native hauled in 11 rebounds and dished out three assists per game on his way to becoming the FCSAA Player of the Week for the First time in his career.

Head Coach John Ritzdorf stated, "Our team is very happy and excited for Mello to receive this recognition. He has been playing at an extremely high level early this season. All of that goes beyond his numbers, he has ben asked to do a lot for us and has accepted the challenge."

The Sophomore has shown his ability to score through the early part of the season averaging 25 points per contest, while shooting 48% from the field.  Branch has been the leading scorer for all six contests and set a new career high with 32 points against Florida Gateway on November 13^th. Branch has also set a career high in rebounds with 13 versus Pasco-Hernando State College on November 15^th. Branch currently is shooting 30% from beyond the arc and 81% from the charity stripe. Branch is currently fifth in the nation in scoring.

Beyond Branches scoring ability, he has played over 30 minutes in each of the first six games of the year. During the week Branch added four steals and a solo block to his stat line.