MONTICELLO, ARK. – The East Central University men's basketball team fell in its first Great American Conference game of the 2017-18 season, with an 89-65 loss to Arkansas-Monticello.

The Tigers (3-2, 3-1 GAC) were led by sophomore Camron Talley, with 20 points, three rebounds and two steals.  Senior Jeremiah Fleming added 15 points, two assists, a rebound and a block.

Both teams had strong days shooting, with the Boll Weevils (6-2, 2-2 GAC) earning the win on a 19-of-28 mark at the free throw line, while only allowing ECU to go 7-of-13.

The opening of the game was close, with the teams tied at five after the first three minutes.  The Tigers then used a 7-0 run over the next three minutes to take a 12-5 lead.  However, UAM fought back and tied the game at 16 half way through the stanza. 

The teams traded shots for the next two minutes, before a 16-0 run by the Boll Weevils gave them a 37-21 lead, with 2:30 left.  The teams then traded baskets through the half, with UAM holding a 39-26 lead at the break.

The Boll Weevils did not let up the pressure in the second half, building the lead to as many as 29 before earning the 89-65 win.

The Tigers will now get over a week off before hosting two games before the holidays.  ECU will host Southwestern Adventist, Friday, Dec. 15 at 12 p.m. in the annual Kids Game at the Kerr Activities Center.  The Tigers then welcome Dallas Christian, Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.