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MONTICELLO – The University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team extended its streak to five consecutive victories in a high-scoring 102-89 win over Philander Smith at home on Tuesday night.
After a rocky start that allowed Philander Smith (9-4) to lead by as much seven points four minutes into the game, the Weevils responded with a 7-0 run in the next minute capped by a three-pointer from senior Dayton Mickens to force the game's first tie score. After a back-and-forth battle over the next 10 minutes, the Weevils grabbed the game's final lead change on a layup from senior Lonnie Cottrell at the 4:03 mark of the opening half to give his team a 38-36 lead.
During that 10-minute stretch, the highest lead was five for UAM (7-2) on two different three-point baskets from junior Sharif Hudson.
UAM built a seven-point lead with 35 seconds remaining in the first half on a pair of free throws from senior Jared Harrison and finished the half up by nine on a tip-in from senior Brandon Wilson at the buzzer. UAM led 51-42 at the break.
The Weevils led by double-digits for the first four minutes of the second half until the Panthers used an 8-2 scoring run to trim UAM's lead down to seven points at the 15:44 mark. PSC got as close as six points twice with 12 minutes remaining.
UAM's 65 percent second half shooting came into play in the final 12 minutes, maintaining a double-digit lead for the remainder of the contest.
Wilson led the Weevils with 25 points, 19 coming in the second half. The Rayville, La. native also added a game-high nine rebounds, two assists, oneblocked shot and one steal. Harrison and Hudson each added 20 points. Harrison was 11-for-12 at the free throw line. Hudson also had six rebounds and two assists. Mickens also reached double-digits for UAM with 18 points.
The Weevils finished the game shooting 61 percent from the field (35-for-57), 63 percent on three-pointers (5-for-8) and 69 percent on foul shots (27-for-39). The Panthers shot 53 percent from the field (31-for-59), 43 percent on three-pointers (9-for-21) and 67 percent on foul shots (18-for-27).
Philander's Jermaine Hollimon led all scorers with 29 points in 22 minutes off the bench.
The Weevils wrap up the 2013 portion of the schedule this Saturday at home against Angelo State. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. inside Steelman Field House.
