Sophomore Latif Rivers (Elizabeth, NJ / Avon Old Farms (CT)
Rivers led Wagner to a 5-2 record in the month of December, averaging a team-best 13.6 points per game while shooting a blistering 95.2 percent (20-21) from the line and 34.2 percent (13-38) from long range. The smooth-shooting guard began the month with 12 points at Long Island (12/1) before next notching double-figures with 13 against Lehigh (12/10). Rivers then scored all of his game-high 18 points after halftime in helping lead the Seahawks to an impressive 59-54 win at #15 Pitt. The next time out against Air Force in the Cable Car Classic, he went off for a game and season-high 21 points, fueled by five three pointers. The next night in the Championship Game, Rivers recorded a team-best 17 points, including 12 after intermission, to help the Green & White defeat host Santa Clara (12/30) 64-62 for the 45th Cable Car Championship. His 18.5 points per game average in the tournament helped secure Rivers Tournament MVP honors – highlighted by 50.0 percent (8-16) shooting from long range in the two-day event. Additionally, Rivers’ performance against Pitt and in the Cable Car (18.7 ppg) garnered the Garden State native his first career Choice Hotels Northeast Conference (NEC) Player of the Week honor. On the year, Rivers is averaging a team-best 14.2 points per game while converting 90.4 percent (47-52) from the line, a figure that ranks second in the NEC and 17th nationally.
