MONTICELLO, Ark. – SWOSU Men's Basketball needed one final stop on defense against Arkansas-Monticello to force overtime, and nearly had it, but a putback layup after an offensive rebound with one second remaining allowed UAM to earn the win in regulation, 56-54.
 
In a game where the Dawgs played from behind nearly the entire way, SWOSU grinded out a double-digit halftime deficit and overcame a slow opening half that saw just 12 points of offensive production. The Bulldogs trailed 25-12 after 20 minutes but found rhythm in the second half.
 
After the intermission, SWOSU shot an even 50% from the field and eventually had the game tied with 2:16 remaining. MJ Warrior had the game tied again after a driving layup with 12 seconds left before the final possession of the game commenced.
 
On the other end, with seconds ticking away, UAM settled for a pull up jump shot that missed everything but backboard which allowed the ball to ricochet directly into a crashing Weevil rebounder who was able to lay the ball back up with just 1.4 seconds remaining. A half-court heave at the buzzer did not go in and SWOSU fell in heart breaking fashion as UAM breathed a sigh of relief.
 
Ben Smith led the Dawgs with 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting and an 8-for-10 day at the foul line. Denali Alexander was SWOSU's other double-digit performer with 10 points.  
 
For the game, SWOSU finished at 41% (16-39) shooting overall and 31% (5-16) from the three-point line. Monticello was also 41% (20-49) for the game but was held to 24% (4-17) from deep.  
 
Up next on the schedule will be back-to-back home games next Thursday (1/11) and Saturday (1/13) against Arkadelphia foes Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist. 16 GAC games remain in the regular season.