ADA, Oklahoma — The University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team was held scoreless in the first five minutes on Saturday against East Central, ultimately leading to a 77-65 loss to the Tigers on the road in Great American Conference play.

The Weevils (0-4, 0-2 GAC) got on the board for the first time with a three-pointer from junior Vicktor Arnick at the 15:03 mark. That snapped a 17-0 run for the Tigers (2-2, 1-1 GAC) to start the game.

The Tigers maintained a double-digit lead for all but three possessions throughout the rest of the first half. ECU led 41-27 at the break.

In the second half, UAM rallied back to trim the deficit down to six points following a 12-0 run capped by a layup from junior Brandon Scott. ECU immediately responded with a 14-1 run over the next three minutes to take its largest lead of the game at 60-41 with 11:16 remaining in regulation.

The Weevils again cut their deficit down to single digits five minutes later with an 11-2 run capped with a pair of free throws from junior Jerron Washington. Seven of UAM's 10 points during that run were on free throws. That rally gave ECU an eight-point lead with 6:55 remaining.

The Tigers then posted another double-digit run, outscoring UAM 10-0 over the next five minutes to seal the double-digit win.

UAM finished the game shooting 40 percent from the field (21-for-52), 32 percent on three-pointers (6-for-19) and 68 percent on foul shots (17-for-25). Senior Richard Benedyth led all scorers and recorded a new career-high with 24 points. Scott chipped in with 18 points off the bench.

ECU shot 52 percent from the field (28-for-54), 37 percent on three-pointers (10-for-27) and 69 percent on foul shots (11-for-16). Braxton Reeves led the Tigers with 18 points.

Following the Thanksgiving holiday, the Weevils are back in action next Saturday, November 28 on the road against Delta State for a non-conference game starting at 4 p.m.