Box Score (HTML)

WEATHERFORD, Oklahoma – Junior Richard Benedyth's potential game-tying layup was blocked as time expired as the University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team fell to Southwestern Oklahoma State on Thursday night by a final score of 83-81 inside the Pioneer Cellular Event Center.

The Weevils (7-15, 3-14 Great American Conference) had a chance to take a one-point lead with eight seconds remaining, but junior Jamal Peterson made just one of three foul shots after being fouled beyond the three-point arc with his team down by two points.

On the other end, SWOSU (13-11, 7-10 GAC) made one of two free throws to create another two-point advantage, setting the stage for UAM's final attempt. SWOSU's Ayo Ojo blocked Benedyth's layup to keep the game from going into overtime. The Bulldogs needed an extra period to beat the Weevils a month ago in Monticello.

After a one-point lead for SWOSU at the halftime break, both squads exchanged baskets over first 10 minutes of the second half. The Weevils led by as much as five points during that stretch on a layup from Peterson at the 15:02 mark.

The Bulldogs broke the game's sixth tie score with 10:12 remaining and grew their lead to as much as six points with just under six minutes remaining in regulation.

UAM rallied to force the seventh and final tie of the game on a three-pointer from Benedyth with 53 seconds remaining. SWOSU's Martell Collins answered with a layup on the other end to set up the final events of the game.

The Weevils finished the game shooting 53 percent rom the field (27-for-51). Senior Sharif Hudson led all scorers with 24 points. Benedyth added 22 and Peterson finished with 13.

SWOSU finished at 42 percent from the field (30-for-72) and dominated the rebound battle 45-28, including a 24-6 edge on the offensive glass. That led to 19 second-chance points for the Bulldogs and a total of 21 more overall shots than the Weevils. Martell Collins led SWOSU off the bench with 20 points.

UAM is back in action on Saturday at Northwestern Oklahoma State. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. in Alva.