Box Score MONTICELLO  – Southern Arkansas fought hard but could not overcome Great American Conference rival Arkansas-Monticello in a 72-59 decision in Steelman Field House on Thursday.
 
The Boll Weevils (10-6, 2-8 GAC) have only lost one game on their home court this season and were determined to protect it against the Muleriders (6-10, 2-8 GAC) who continue to struggle in conference action.
 
The Boll Weevils relied heavily on senior guard Kori Forge who scored 29 of the Weevils' 72 points. Senior forward A.J. Calhoun tacked on 14 points and 11 rebounds while junior forward Dayton Mickens posted 10 points and five rebounds.
 
Junior guard Darrin Johnson (Chicago, Ill.) lead the Muleriders with 15 points, and junior forward Duke Reed (Houston, Texas) followed closely with 12. Reed also pulled down 5 rebounds.
 
Both teams seemed to struggle offensively throughout the game. Arkansas-Monticello shot 42 percent on 29 of 69 from the floor and picked up 20 of 25 from the line. SAU shot 32 percent on 22 of 68 from the floor and was 19 of 25 on free throws.
 
The game wrapped up the first round of conference play for both teams. The Muleriders look to snap their four-game skid as they begin round two of conference action on Saturday at Ouachita Baptist. The contest is scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip-off in Bill Vining Arena.