K.J. Lesure and Marcus Gilbert scored 25 points apiece to lead the University of Arkansas-Monticello to a 96-76 Great American Conference victory over Arkansas Tech University Saturday afternoon at Steelman Field House in Monticello.
The Boll Weevils (18-9 overall, 10-8 GAC) took control of the game with a 24-6 run over a span of 4:54 midway through the second half. UAM led 85-62 with six minutes to go and steered it home for its fourth consecutive win.
The Wonder Boys (12-12, 8-10) lost for the sixth time in their last seven games and fell to 0-10 on the road this season.
“I thought it was a high level game for 30 minutes,” said Chad Kline, ATU head coach. “They had more energy than us those last 10 minutes. When you play bad defense like we did and they see some shots go in, then they start making tough shots.”
UA-Monticello shot 54 percent (38-of-71) from the field, including 12-of-25 (48 percent) from 3-point range. The Weevils made 22 assists against just seven turnovers.
Albert Odero scored a team-high 21 points for Arkansas Tech. He was 9-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-3 from beyond the 3-point arc. Ramses Sandifer had 15 points for ATU, while R.J. Glasper and Dillon Gooding notched 12 points apiece.
The Wonder Boys will return home to Tucker Coliseum in Russellville for a 7:30 p.m. GAC contest against Oklahoma Baptist University on Thursday, Feb. 20.
Tickets ($5 adults/$3 senior citizens and students) will be available at the door. Those with a valid ATU identification card will be admitted free of charge.
Radio station KCJC 102.3 FM and www.arkansastechsports.com will provide live coverage.
