MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello men’s basketball team held off a late Christian Brothers rally to record a 61-58 victory on the road to open the Gulf South Conference portion of the 2009-10 schedule.

Up by three with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation, senior Derek Easter blocked a potential game-tying three point shot by Zach Warner as the buzzer sounded to give the Boll Weevils (6-5, 1-0 GSC) its first win over the Buccaneers (10-4, 0-1 GSC) since the 2006-07 season.

As a team, UAM shot 52.3 percent from the field (23-of-44), 50 percent from three-point range (7-of-14) and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line (8-of-12).

Three Boll Weevil scorers reached double-figures, led by a game-high 18 points from senior Gil Verner. Juniors Jarrell Turner and Nick Carey followed with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

CBU shot 51.2 percent from the field (22-of-43), 35.3 percent from three-point range (6-of-17) and 72.7 percent from the free-throw line (8-of-11).

Michael Drake and Zack Warner led the Bucs with 14 points each, followed by Kevin Doran with 11 points.

The Boll Weevils continue GSC play Thursday, January 14 against Delta State at home. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. inside Steelman Field House.