LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello men’s basketball team (2-0, 0-0 GAC) took on Augustana University (0-1, 0-0 NSIC) Friday afternoon in the GAC/NSIC Challenge. The Weevils came out on top in their second contest of the season, defeating the Vikings, 62-51.
Marvin Schindler led the way for Arkansas-Monticello (2-0, 0-0 GAC), posting 23 points in the game. Schindler hit 8-of-13 total field goals on the day, including two three-pointers, and went 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. He also contributed six total rebounds and one assist in his 40 minutes played.
Justice Moore was the second Boll Weevil in double digits, scoring 19 points. Moore hit 7-of-19 field goals, including four three-pointers, and went 1-of-2 from the line while grabbing five rebounds, one assist, and three steals in 40 minutes of play.
Aiden Cilladi contributed seven points for Arkansas-Monticello, connecting on 2-of-6 field goals, including one three-pointer, and going 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. Cilladi also led the Weevils on the boards with 12 rebounds, along with one assist and one block.
Landen Hill added five points and four rebounds, while Josh Smith finished with four points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Augustana (0-1, 0-0 NSIC) was led by Amari Westmoreland-Vendiola with 11 points.
Arkansas-Monticello got off to a slow start in the opening half, as Augustana jumped out to an early 8-2 lead. The Weevils began to close the gap with baskets from Schindler, Moore, and Felix Smedjeback. A three-pointer from Schindler brought UAM within one point at 12-11 with 10:25 remaining. The Vikings continued to battle, but the Weevils found their momentum midway through the half. A three-pointer from Moore tied the contest at 16-16 before Smith connected on a layup to give Arkansas-Monticello its first lead of the game. The two teams continued to exchange baskets until UAM closed the half on an 11-1 run, highlighted by three three-pointers from Moore. The Weevils headed into the locker room holding a 33-24 advantage.
The second 20 minutes saw Arkansas-Monticello maintain control, outscoring Augustana 29-27. The Weevils opened the half with baskets from Hill and Smith to extend their lead to 13 points. Schindler continued to add to the advantage, connecting on a three-pointer and a jumper to push UAM ahead 45-29 with 14:46 remaining. Arkansas-Monticello reached its game-high lead of 18 points following a three-pointer from Cilladi with 11:00 left on the clock.
Augustana looked to cut into the deficit throughout the remainder of the half, but the Weevils continued to hold their advantage. Schindler added key baskets down the stretch, while UAM capitalized on opportunities from the free-throw line in the closing minutes. Moore recorded the Weevils’ final point of the game on a free throw with 42 seconds remaining, securing a 62-51 victory for Arkansas-Monticello.
Arkansas-Monticello committed nine turnovers throughout the contest while outrebounding Augustana 49-39. The Weevils also recorded 10 second-chance points and seven fast-break points.
UP NEXT
The Weevils return to the court Saturday, November 14, against Wayne State College. The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. This will be the first time UAM will play Wayne State College in UAM Men’s Basketball History.
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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Article published with permission of UAM Athletics.
