MAGNOLIA, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Monticello Men's Basketball team continued with conference play on Thursday evening when they traveled to Magnolia, Arkansas to face rival conference member Southern Arkansas University. The Weevils came out of the contest with a 80-65 loss to the Muleriders.

Ashton Price led the way for Arkansas-Monticello (9-14, 5-12 GAC), posting 21 points in the game. Price hit 7-16 total field goals on the day, two three-pointers, and 5-5 free throws. He also contributed two defensive rebounds in his 35 minutes, along with two assists and a steal.

Josh Smith was the second Boll Weevil in the double-digits, scoring 12 points on the evening. Smith hit 6-8 field goals while grabbing four total rebounds, an assist, two blocks, and two steals.

Giancarlo Valdez saw 11 points posted as the final Boll Weevil in the double-digits. Valdez hit 3-6 field goals, three three-pointers, and 2-2 from the line, along with four defensive rebounds, six assists, and three steals. 

Southern Arkansas (10-13, 7-10 GAC) was led by Jair Horton with 18 points. 

The opening half of the game was a battle throughout its entirety. Arkansas-Monticello went basket-for-basket with Southern Arkansas, seeing the lead change four times with six ties. The final points of the half came from Giancarlo Valdez to put UAM ahead, however SAU quickly responded to tie the game with 17 seconds remaining on the clock. The half concluded with the Weevils and Muleriders even at 28-28.

The second 20-minute period was once again a battle, seeing three lead changes. Arkansas-Monticello and Southern Arkansas exchanged points back-and-forth, tying the game one final time, 33-33, with 17:45 left on the clock. The Muleriders held control for the remainder of the period, seeing a game-high lead of 19 points. The contest would conclude with an 80-65 loss for UAM.

Arkansas-Monticello committed 15 turnovers in the entirety of the match.

UP NEXT
The Weevils will return to the court on Saturday, February 14, in Monticello, Arkansas, when they host the Reddies of Henderson State University. The game is scheduled to start at 3:00 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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