RICHARDSON, TEXAS - UT Tyler men's basketball senior Sam Phipps has been named the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the final week of the regular season, the league announced Monday.

Phipps was the only Patriot on the men's side to earn a weekly conference honor this season. The Wellsville, Utah native closed his career in dominant fashion, playing a major role in wins over the Texas A&M International Dustdevils and the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas.

Against the Javelinas, Phipps was perfect from the floor, going 3-for-3 for six points. His impact, however, was felt most on the defensive end. He grabbed five rebounds and recorded two blocks while helping hold the Javelinas to just 33.8% shooting. The Patriots also forced 12 turnovers and limited the opposition to only 55 points.

In the regular-season finale against the Dustdevils, Phipps delivered one of his most complete performances of the year. He scored 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting and added three assists. He was relentless on the glass, pulling down seven offensive rebounds and seven defensive boards for a total of 14. Phipps also added three blocks and two steals, helping limit Texas A&M International to 76 points on 43.6% shooting in his final game in a Patriot uniform.