Jan. 21, 2013

BERKELEY - California redshirt junior Gennifer Brandon had a record-breaking weekend for the No. 7 Golden Bears, and for her efforts the forward was named the espnW National Player of the Week and the Pac-12 Player of the Week.

Brandon led Cal to a pair of victories and to the top of the Pac-12 standings with wins over previous-Conference leaders USC and No. 14/15 UCLA. Against the Trojans, Brandon posted her second-career 20-20 game, tallying a season-high 23 points to go along with a school-record 26 rebounds. The 26 boards set a new Pac-12 record for individual rebounds in a Conference game, surpassing the previous mark of 25 which was set by UCLA's Natalie Williams in 1994. Brandon followed up with 12 points and 14 rebounds in Cal's 70-65 win over No. 14/15 UCLA. On the weekend, Brandon averaged 17.5 points, 20.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals while shooting at a .467 clip.

It is Brandon's second-career player of the week honor and Cal's 39th all-time. Her 26 rebounds are the second-highest output in the NCAA this season. She currently ranks ninth in the NCAA and third in the Pac-12 with 11.4 rpg and is one of just 17 players in the country averaging at least 11 points and 11 rebounds.

California concludes its January homestand this weekend with No. 20 Colorado and Utah visiting Haas Pavilion. Tip-off between the Bears and Buffs is scheduled for Friday night at 8 p.m. and will be televised by the Pac-12 Networks.