Ada, Okla. - The University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team was defeated on the road by Great American Conference opponent East Central University Thursday night by a final score of 100-98.
Arkansas-Monticello (14-2, 10-2 GAC) began this match-up against the Tigers of East Central (13-5, 9-3 GAC) on fire jumping out to an early 19-5 lead over ECU. The Tigers staged a comeback throughout the opening half however and this contest was all tied up at 52-52 at halftime. The second half brought more of the same between the top two teams in the GAC, as there were nine total lead changes and five overall fives in the match-up. The game continued to be close within the final minutes of play, but East Central unfortunately surged ahead just enough to close out the victory over UAM at 100-98.
The UAM offensive attack was led by junior Derylton Hill who scored 27 total points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field. This was Hill's ninth 20 plus point game of the season, and the junior also brought down five total rebounds, and recorded two steals in this match-up.
Junior Cobe Goosby also provided a solid day offensively as he totaled 21 points in the contest against ECU. This was Goosby's third straight 20 plus point game as well. Cobe also went on to lead UAM in overall rebounding with 12 boards to earn his third double-double of the season.
Three other Weevils finished the night in double digit scoring as Karim Mawuenyega totaled 15 points, Tyrin Jones provided 13, and Vicktor Arnick added 11 points.
Final team stats on the night for the Weevils included 57 percent shooting from the field (34-for-60), 33 percent on three's (4-for-12), and 72 percent on free throws (26-for-36). East Central finished the game shooting 55 percent (35-for-64) from the field, 45 percent from beyond the arc (9-for-20), and 88 percent on foul shots (21-for-24).
UAM will hit the court next on Saturday, January 28 as the Weevils head to Durant, Oklahoma to take on GAC foe Southeastern Oklahoma State with tip-off set for 3 p.m.
