On the undersized and often undermanned men’s basketball team, the presence of six-foot eight-inch tall junior forward Alex Talma provides the Eagles with a much-needed force in the paint. With the recent absence of freshman forward Isaiah Jones due to injury, Talma has been forced to guard the rim almost completely by himself. Though California Baptist Universitywon 96-59 in a rout victory on Feb. 10, Talma still had one of his best performances of the year. The junior led Biola in that game with a season-high 22 points and seven boards while making all seven of his free throw attempts. Talma then delivered his fourth double-double of the season—and third in the past four games—during a 70-66 win over Dominican Universityon Feb. 12. He scored 19 points including two free throws with 18 seconds left to give the Eagles a three-point lead, and he again led the Eagles with 10 rebounds including two key defensive boards in the final minute to secure the victory. Talma’s exceptional play on a shorthanded team and his vital role in the Eagles’ recent success earn him Chimes Athlete of the Week.

Stats: 41 points, 17 rebounds in two games