COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Maryland sophomore midfielder Ben Bender was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, the Big Ten announced Tuesday afternoon. 

Bender was at the center of Maryland's two victories against Delaware and Pacific this week. The Parkville, Md., native scored an overtime game-winner to help lift the Terps to a victory at Delaware on Tuesday. He then tallied the Terps' third goal against Pacific on Saturday. 

After earning All-Big Ten Second Team and Freshman Team honors last season, Bender has emerged as one of the best midfield players in the nation in his second campaign. Top Drawer Soccer named Bender the 14th best upperclassman in the nation in its midseason rankings released Monday. The local product has four goals and four assists this season, which both lead the Terps. 

This is Bender's second Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor this season. The Terps return to action at Michigan State on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and fans can watch the action on Big Ten Plus.