TAHLEQUAH, Ok. - The University of Arkansas at Monticello men's basketball team began its 2025-26 campaign Friday night inside the NSU Event Center against the Riverhawks of Northeastern State University in the Central Region Challenge, hosted by Northeastern State University. The Weevils lost 79-74 to open the year.

Newcomer Jakob Zenon led the way for Arkansas-Monticello (0-1), posting 21 points in the game. Zenon hit 7-13 total field goals on the day, with seven three-pointers made. He also contributed two defensive rebounds, one steal, and an assist in his 38 minutes.

Newcomer Josh Smith was the second Boll Weevil in double-digits, scoring 19 points. Smith hit 8-11 field goals and 3-5 from the line while grabbing three blocks, one defensive rebound, one steal, and an assist.

Newcomer Ashton Price was the third Boll Weevil in double-digits for UAM, scoring 14 points. Price hit 5-9 field goals and 4-4 free throws while grabbing eight rebounds, two steals, one block, and an assist.

Returning senior Issac Jackson saw 12 points posted on the evening as the final Boll Weevil in the double-digits. Jackson went 5-12 on field goals and 2-2 from the free throw line while grabbing six rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Northeastern State (1-0) was led by Xavier Glenn with 22 points.

The opening half was won by Northeastern State, as they outscored Arkansas-Monticello 40-38. Returning senior Issac Jackson scored the first points of the 2025 season for UAM on a jumper to tie the game. The teams would see back-and-forth baskets, resulting in eight lead changes throughout the twenty minutes. Northeastern State prevailed in the end, with both teams heading to the locker rooms with NSU leading 40-38.

The second 20-minute period proved evenly matched again, as Arkansas-Monticello was only outscored 39-36. The Riverhawks increased their lead to a game-high 10 points with 4:19 on the clock, but saw the Weevils fight back, decreasing it to five as the game came to a close. Arkansas-Monticello came out with a 79-74 loss to open the season.

Arkansas-Monticello committed 13 turnovers in the entirety of the match.

UP NEXT
The Weevils return to action on Saturday, November 15, to take on the University of Central Oklahoma in the Central Region Challenge. The game is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. 

All live streams and live stats will be available as clickable links on the UAM Men's basketball schedule.

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.

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