MONTICELLO — The University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team busted free from its six-game losing streak to start the season by defeating Northwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday at home by a final score of 76-67.

The Weevils (1-6, 1-3 GAC) and Rangers (1-6, 1-3 GAC) went back and forth in the first half with seven total lead changes and three tie scores. UAM controlled early, leading by as much as seven points on a layup from senior Evan Sims at the 8:22 mark. Northwestern took over from there with a 10-2 run over the next three minutes to take a one-point lead at 17-16.

UAM regained a large lead in the final two minutes of the half with an 11-2 run, which ultimately led to a 34-28 advantage at the halftime break. Both teams shot above 40 percent from the field in the first half, and the rebound battle was tied 17-all at the break.

In the second half, both teams swapped big runs with UAM leading by as much as 11 points on two different occasions, but each time answered with a Northwestern rally that cut that lead down to three points the first time and two points the last time with just under seven minutes remaining.

The Weevils never lost their lead in the second half and ended the game with five consecutive made free throws to deny a Northwestern comeback.

Senior Jamal Peterson hit four three-pointers in the win and totaled a game-high 18 points. Junior Brandon Scott followed with 17 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Sims chipped in with 14 points, while senior Andre Brown totaled 10 points in 27 minutes off the bench.

As a team, UAM shot an even 50 percent from the field (28-for-56), 53 percent on three-pointers (9-for-17) and 69 percent on foul shots (11-for-16). The Rangers ended at 44 percent from the field (27-for-61), 28 percent on treys (5-for-18) and 73 percent on foul shots (8-for-11).

UAM plays its third and final exhibition game of the season next Saturday, December 12 at Arkansas State. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in Jonesboro.