MAGNOLIA, Arkansas – Southern Arkansas scored 31 points off 20 turnovers, which led to an 86-69 Great American Conference win over the University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team Monday night at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.
 
The Weevils (7-17, 5-13 GAC) jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first three minutes spreading the baskets out to four different players. UAM maintained the lead until the 7:44 mark of the opening half, when the Muleriders (13-11, 10-8 GAC) posted a 9-0 run to take a five-point lead with just under six minutes remaining before halftime.
 
A 5-0 UAM run two minutes later put the Weevils back on top by two, but the Muleriders answered with another 9-0 run to regain the lead for the final time. SAU led 38-30 at the break.
 
SAU got up by as much as 20 points with 8:23 remaining in regulation, and UAM was able to cut that deficit down to single digits following a 16-4 run capped by a three-pointer from junior Vicktor Arnick with 3:53 remaining. That was as close as UAM got as the Muleriders doubled up the Weevils 14-7 in the final three minutes to seal the win.

UAM finished the game shooting 45 percent from the field (24-for-53), 30 percent on three-pointers (6-for-20) and 75 percent on foul shots (15-for-20). Senior Richard Benedyth led the Weevils with 17 points, followed by Arnick with 13 points and a team-high six rebounds. Junior Trent Jeffries added 12 points in 15 minutes off the bench after converting on four three-pointers.
 
SAU shot 48 percent from the field (30-for-63), 26 percent on treys (6-for-23) and 77 percent on foul shots (20-for-26). SAU's C.J. Elkins led all scorers with 21 points.
 
The Weevils are back in action on Thursday on the road against Ouachita. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. in Arkadelphia.