Box Score (PDF)

THIBODAUX, Louisiana – The University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team played its final exhibition contest of the 2014-15 season on Tuesday in an 81-75 road loss to Nicholls State.

In the first half, both teams traded blows with a total of four lead changes. Down 12-6 at the 15:47 mark, the Weevils posted a 17-2 scoring run to take a 23-14 lead nearly five minutes later. During that run, UAM made 6-of-8 field goal shots and took advantage of six Nicholls' turnovers. Nicholls responded with an 18-7 run over the next five minutes to take a 32-30 lead with 5:37 remaining before halftime.

The Weevils held a slight edge in the final five minutes of the opening period to take a one-point lead of 40-39 lead into the locker room at the break.

In the second half, Nicholls came out on a 9-1 run to take an eight-point lead at the first media timeout. Later in the half, after UAM had fought back to force two tie scores, the Weevils went without a point for just over four minutes, which allowed the Colonels to get on top again by eight points with 5:44 remaining.

UAM cut the deficit in half for the final four minutes of the contest, but was never able to get any closer than four points. The Colonels made 4-of-4 foul shots in the final three minutes to keep the Weevils at bay.

The Weevils finished the game shooting 43 percent from the field (25-for-58), 42 percent on three-pointers (8-for-19) and 85 percent on foul shots (17-for-20). Nicholls shot 48 percent from the field (29-for-60), 32 percent on three-pointers (6-for-19) and 71 percent on foul shots (17-for-24). UAM was outrebounded 44-27, and the Colonels nearly doubled UAM in points off the bench at 30-18.

UAM placed four scorers in double-figures, led by junior Richard Benedyth with 18 points on a 7-for-11 shooting performance. Seniors Cameron Blue and Sharif Hudson followed with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Junior Kazmere Boyd had 10 points in 29 minutes off the bench.

Nicholls' Amin Torres led all scorers with 26 points coming off the bench. Ja'Dante Frye and Sam McBeath added 19 and 17 points respectively.

The Weevils close out the 2014 portion of the schedule this Saturday with a non-conference road game against Angelo State. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.