BEST of the WEEK | Dec. 15 | Awards based on games from Monday-Sunday

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Mario Austin, Mississippi State
The NCAA has been ripped for some of its policies in the past, but the decision to reinstate Mario Austin of Mississippi State was the right call, in my mind.

	Austin

Austin showed little rust in his first appearance of the season after missing the Bulldogs' first six games. He posted a big-time performance against a ranked Xavier team at the mecca, Madison Square Garden. Austin led the Bulldogs to a 10-point win in a game that wasn't that close. He scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds, outplaying All-Rolls Roycer David West.

With Austin back in the lineup, look for Mississippi State to be a factor in the SEC.

COACH OF THE WEEK: Tom Izzo, Michigan State
The Spartans suffered two losses at the Great Alaska Shootout, but Izzo never stopped watching tape, never stopped working hard.

His work ethic is paying off. Michigan State defeated Kentucky at Rupp Arena, a difficult place to compete. Chris Hill, Paul Davis and company came through with a big victory over coach Tubby Smith's Wildcats.

Izzo had his kids in position to win, though the Tim Bograkos shot down the stretch wasn't one drawn up by the coach -- I can't give him credit for that prayer, baby!

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Arizona
Coach Lute Olson's team has the pressure of expectations, and the Wildcats came through in a nail-biter against a hungry and talented Texas team that was trying to bounce back from a loss to Notre Dame. Arizona had to do it without All-American candidate Luke Walton, who was sidelined with an ankle injury.

In the end, Arizona held off tenacious Texas. Senior point guard Jason Gardner came through in the second half as the 'Cats earned Team of the Week honors.

DIAPER DANDY OF THE WEEK: Anthony Roberson, Florida
Freshman guard Anthony Roberson of Saginaw, Mich., came through with clutch shots and outstanding ball-handling to help the Gators to the winners' circle at Maryland.

That snapped the Terps' 87-game nonconference home winning streak, which dated back to 1989. Roberson, along with fellow diaper dandy Matt Walsh, have been factors for coach Billy Donovan's club already this season.

SHOCK OF THE WEEK: Central Florida over College of Charleston
After winning the Great Alaska Shootout and cracking The Associated Press Top 25, coach Tom Herrion's College of Charleston club was stunned in Orlando by Central Florida. The Golden Knights entered the game 4-2 but came away with an impressive 82-64 victory. Ed Dotson scored 18 for the victors.