SEARCY, Ark. – Senior Raymond Wright recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 26 points and 10 rebounds in a 63-59 win over Harding on the road Saturday evening.

 

Despite a nine-point deficit of 35-26 at halftime, the Weevils outscored the Bisons 37-24 in the second half to record their fourth straight win and give Harding its first loss at home this season.

 

“We could easily folded,” said UAM head coach Mike Newell. “Our team responded well in the second half, especially in a hostile environment.”

 

The Weevils had 14 turnovers at halftime, but responded with only three in the second half for a game total of 17. Harding committed 18 turnovers in the game.

 

UAM shot better in the second half with an 11-of-30 performance from the field, while Harding only connected on 7-of-22 attempts, allowing UAM to fight its way back into the contest.

 

“Tonight’s win a total team effort,” said Newell. “We really got a lot of great production from our bench players… Harding has a good basketball team. This was a very tough win.”

 

Wright’s 26 points came from a 10-of-17 performance, including 5-of-7 foul shots. Also reaching double-digits for the Weevils was senior Deron Brown, who scored 11 points, including a team-high two three-pointers.

 

With the win, Newell improved his win-loss percentage to above .500. He now stands 107-106 in his eight seasons at the helm of Boll Weevil basketball.

 

The Weevils, improve to 15-3 overall and 4-1 in GSC, tying with Christian Brothers for the league-leading record. The Bisons drop to 12-6 and 2-3 in the GSC.

 

UAM continues GSC play Thursday, January 29 against Arkansas Tech at home. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. from Steelman Fieldhouse.

 

Fans can catch the game live on the radio in southeast Arkansas at KHBM-FM, 93.7. That broadcast can also be heard live over the Internet at UAM’s official athletics website, uamsports.com.