Weevils Roll Against Panthers

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LITTLE ROCK --- Nate Newell (Jr., Monticello) exploded for a game high 36 points while Billy McDaniel (Sr., Hearne, Texas) added a double-double beind 27 points and 11 rebounds as the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils (4-1) cruised to a 100-68 victory Dec. 8 over Philander Smith at Mims Gym in Little Rock.

   Despite a slow start, the Weevils led from start to finish, pushing their lead to as many as 11 in the first 10 minutes, as a McDaniel jumper gave UAM a 22-11 lead with 10:08 remaining in the opening half. Philander Smith narrowed the lead as the half came to a close, pulling to within four (27-23) on a pair of free throws by Brandon Allen with 5:31 left; but the Weevils went on a 11-3 run to close the half with a 38-26 lead.

   UAM shot 48.3 percent in the first half, including 5-of-7 (41.7 percent) on three-pointers.

   The two teams’ offenses got going in the second half, and the Panthers narrowed the UAM lead to eight (48-40) with 13:16 left, but the Weevils went on a 14-0 run to extend their lead to 22 (62-40) with 11:15 left. Philander Smith was able to cut the UAM lead to 17 (76-59) with 6:28 remaining, but UAM closed the game with a 24-9 run to seal the victory.

   The Weevils closed the second half having shot 60.9 percent (14-of-23), and 66.7 percent (6-of-9) from three-point range. UAM took advantage of 45 trips to the free-throw line, hitting 33 free throws for 73.3 percent.

   Joining Newell and McDaniel in double figures was guard J.B. Williams (Jr., Compton, Calif.) with 16 points and seven assists.

   The Weevils held a 45-24 rebounding advantage on the night.

   UAM returns to action Saturday, Dec. 17, squaring off against the Atlantic 10 Conference’s University of Dayton at the UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio in the opening game of the Las Vegas Holiday Classic. A 7 p.m. tip-off is scheduled.

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