MONTICELLO, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello Men's Basketball team hosted John Melvin University Tuesday evening for the home opener of the 2023-24 season. The Weevils came out with a blowout win over the Millers, 105-50.

Mario Fatina led the way for Arkansas-Monticello (0-2) in the exhibition with 15 points, going 6-7 on total field goals and 3-4 on shots from beyond-the-arc. He also contributed two rebounds and two assists throughout the game.

Josh Denton posted 13 points throughout the game, going 3-4 on field goals, all from three-point range, and 4-4 on free throws with six rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Cole Anderson and Timur Krupalija put up 12 points each throughout the match-up. Anderson was 5-7 in the paint, with 2-5 free throws hit and four rebounds on top of one assist.

Alex Brogdon and AK Hazely were the final two Weevils in double-digits with each putting up 10, respectfully. Brogdon was 4-6 on field goals, 1-2 from deep, and 1-3 from the line with three rebounds, and one assist. Hazely hit 4-8 field goals, and 2-3 free pointers with seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
 
John Melvin (0-8) was led by TJ Trufant with 18 points.

Arkansas-Monticello was the first team to put points on the board for an early advantage. Cole Anderson started the Weevils off hot with a strong drive from the paint, followed by a massive dunk from Issac Jackson to keep the momentum going for the Weevils, increasing their lead to 17-6. Mario Fantina increased the Weevil lead with a jumper from the paint and another key three pointer. Midway through the first half, UAM continued to lead over JMU, 35-14. Wesley Booker was brought to the line late in the half, sinking both of his shots to push the lead to 44-16. The teams head to the locker room at halftime with UAM on top, 55-21. 

The second half saw some early points from John Melvin but Arkansas-Monticello responded with a three from Josh Denton. The Weevils maintained their lead over the Millers, and continued to stretch that lead with a couple of threes from Josh Denton and Alex Brogden. AK Hazely put up some points of his own throughout some key drives in the paint as the Weevil lead increased to 80-34. UAM broke 100 points as they neared the end of the half, with a 55 point lead over John Melvin. The Weevils took the win in the end with a blow-out victory, 105-50.

Arkansas-Monticello committed 7 turnovers in the entirety of the match.
 
UP NEXT
The Weevils return to Steelman Field House on Thursday, Nov. 16 to host Hendrix College for the Billie Ball Game! The game is scheduled to start at 12:00 p.m. 

How to follow the Weevils: For more information on Arkansas-Monticello Men's Basketball, visit www.uamsports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

#GoWeevils | #WeevilNation