BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. - - UVa-Wise defensive back Marquis Hamilton has been named Mountain East Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Cavaliers' 17-0 win at Urbana University Saturday. The weekly honor is the first of Hamilton's career and marks the second time this season a member of the UVa-Wise defense has took home the award, Buster Henderson earned player of the week after a 35-20 win against Concord.

Hamilton led a defensive unit that produced its first ever shutout against a NCAA Division II foe by recording a pair of interceptions and five tackles. Two of Hamilton's five tackles came behind the line of scrimmage as the Cavs registered six tackles for loss in the win.

The two interceptions were a career-high for the redshirt sophomore who is tied for the team lead with three on the season. A native of Washington, D.C., the 5-foot-10, 193-pound Hamilton thwarted the Blue Knights best scoring chance of the day when he intercepted a fourth down pass in the end zone and returned it 38 yards in the game's opening quarter. His second interception of the day came in the third quarter when he picked off a pass at the Urbana 49-yard line with his team holding a 7-0 lead late in the third period.

The Cavs limited Urbana to just 39 passing yards while intercepting four passes in the win. UVa-Wise leads the MEC in pass defense at 146.2 yards per game.

Hamilton and his teammates will be back in action Saturday at home against West Virginia Wesleyan. Kickoff from Smith Stadium is set for 2 p.m.