ALVA, Okla. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team snapped its six-game losing streak with a big Great American Conference victory over Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 70-68. KJ Lesure dropped 30 points while dishing out five assists in the win.
 
It was UAM's first win since it previously beat NWOSU at home on January 4th. With the win, they complete the regular season sweep of the Rangers.
 
The Weevils found themselves down for much of the first period. It wasn't until late in the half that they made their push for the lead. Behind 22-18, Austin Hardy hit a jumper in the paint to cut it to two points. The Rangers responded with a triple, but Lesure, Justin Slocum and Marcus Gilbert answered back with a trio of baskets to put the Weevils out in front.
 
Some back-and-forth scoring continued until the final few minutes when Lesure got free for a few closing points giving UAM a four-point lead into halftime, 35-31.
 
NWOSU kept the game within range throughout the entire second half. UAM and NWOSU fought over a seven-point lead until the final few minutes of the contest.
 
Evnetually, the Rangers tied the game up, 56-56, and again 58-58, but the Weevils responded with a five-point run from Lesure who hit a triple and basket in the paint.
 
In the final minutes, it was tied up yet again, 68-68. Lesure got to the line to take the lead back by one with 50 seconds left. Seconds later, NWOSU turned the ball over after Jeremiah Alexander, who made his first appearance of the season, registered a big-time steal. UAM did turn the ball over shortly after, but stole it again seconds later and was fouled, sending Justin Slocum to the line. He then hit one of two free throws, and NWOSU threw up a prayer in the final seconds, but it was not enough, as the Weevils went on to win, 70-58.
 
Along with Lesure, Gilbert finished in double-figures in the contest with 13 points, five rebounds and a pair of steals.
 
Slocum finished two points short of a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds.
 
With the win, the Weevils improve to 14-8 overall and 6-7 in GAC games while the Rangers drop to 6-13 overall and 3-10 in GAC play.
 
UP NEXT
The Weevils will travel to Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday for a GAC contest. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. following the women's game.