The University of Arkansas at Monticello's Boll Weevils were led by a 30-point effort by junior Duke Sturdivant (York, Ala.), as the Weevils picked up a 77-72 exhibition victory over the Mississippi College Choctaws Wednesday at Steelman Fieldhouse.

   The Weevils and Choctaws dueled throughout the first half, until junior Deron Brown (Paris, Ky.) broke a 36-36 tie with nine seconds left in the half to give UAM a 39-36 lead going into halftime. The Choctaws briefly tied the game in the opening minutes of the second half, but Brown drilled a jumper that put the Weevils up for good, as UAM went on a run over the first 10 minutes to extend its lead to 11 (59-48) with 9:22 remaining.

   However, the Choctaws would not go easily in the closing minutes of the game, as MC narrowed an 11-point lead (70-59) with 2:05 left to a three-point (70-67) lead with 1:02 remaining in the contest. However, the Boll Weevils were able to hold MC at arm’s length the remainder of the way and the Weevils picked up the exhibition victory.

   The Boll Weevils return to action Nov. 14, as it travels to Knoxville, Tenn., to face Tennessee in an exhibition game as part of the Legends Classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.