RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas — The University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team secured a Great American Conference road victory over Arkansas Tech on Saturday by a final score of 72-63.
The Weevils (6-10, 4-6 GAC) used three-pointers from seniors Richard Benedyth and Jamal Peterson on back-to-back possessions early in the first half to take a four-point lead. UAM did not trail for the remainder of the half, and held its largest lead of the period following a 7-0 run capped by another trey from Benedyth to put the Weevils up 28-18 advantage at the 7:28 mark.
The Wonder Boys (9-8, 4-7 GAC) later used a 13-4 run to cut UAM's lead down to one point with 2:45 remaining before halftime. UAM led 34-33 at the break after out-shooting Tech by 20 percentage points in the first 20 minutes.
The two squads exchanged 8-0 runs to start the second half. UAM's run came first, highlighted by a pair of three-pointers from Benedyth to force an ATU timeout less than two minutes into the period. UAM coach Kyle Tolin was forced to take a timeout of his own two a minute and a half later when Tech rallied to cut its deficit back down to one point.
The Weevils got back on top by double-digits with just under seven minutes remaining, using on a 9-0 run over the span of 2:43 to lead by as much as 14 points.
Tech took advantage of missed free throws by UAM down the stretch to climb back to within six with 1:46 remaining, but no closer than six in the final minute.
The Weevils finished at 59 percent from the field (27-for-46) and 53 percent on three-pointers (9-for-17). Benedyth tied his career-high in scoring with 24 points, highlighted by a new career-high in made three-pointers with five. Peterson followed with 15 points. Senior Andre Brown turned in a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Vicktor Arnick also reached double-digits in points with 11.
Tech was led in scoring by DeChriston McKinney with 15 points off the bench.
UAM is back in action on Monday at home against Ouachita. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Steelman Field House.
