ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Off its conference-opening win against Southern Arkansas, Henderson State hits the road for the first time in their GAC slate when it heads to Monticello, Arkansas to take on the Arkansas-Monticello Boll Weevils Saturday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.
REDDIES REPORT
Henderson delivered its second-best shooting performance of the season against the Muleriders, hitting 50.0 percent of its field goals and 35.7 percent of its three-pointers, both of which rank second through six games. The Reddies are shooting 43.3 percent from the field while allowing their opponents to shoot 43.1 percent.
Junior guard Alvin Miles tied his HSU career-high of 18 points to lead all five Henderson starters, each of whom scored in double figures. Thursday marked the second time this season HSU has had five players score in double digits, both of which resulted in wins for the Reddies. Miles, who is now averaging 9.2 points per game, continues to lead the league with 4.8 assists per game.
Henderson’s defense is beginning to position itself among the top half of the league as it is holding opposing offenses to 68.8 points per game, which is fourth in the GAC. In each of the last four games, head coach Jimmy Elgas‘ squad has held the opposition under 68 points. In all three of Arkansas-Monticello’s losses this season, it has scored less than 68 points.
The Reddies, who have won two consecutive road conference openers, have also won two in a row over the Boll Weevils, which is the longest winning streak over UAM in the series since winning three in a row between the 2013-14 and 2014-15 season. Henderson leads the all-time series, 97-74, with last year’s 48-45 victory being the lowest scoring GAC men’s basketball game in league history.
SCOUTING ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO
After winning three in a row, Arkansas-Monticello fell in its conference opener at Arkansas Tech, 75-67. Saturday will be UAM’s first home conference game, with the Boll Weevils having won four straight conference openers inside Steelman Fieldhouse. Monticello is 8-8 at home over the past two seasons, including being 3-0 on their home floor this season.
With both teams having played six games, UAM’s scoring offense and defense reflects that of Henderson State’s. Whereas HSU is averaging 70.8 points per game and allowing 68.8 points, Arkansas-Monticello is averaging 69.8 points per game and is holding opponents to 69.0 points. The Boll Weevils are shooting 47.6 percent from the field, which is fifth in the league.
Arkansas Monticello is one of just four teams in the GAC to have four guys averaging 10 or more points. Senior Edwin Louis leads the offensive unit with 13.8 points per game, followed by sophomore Mario Fantina at 13.0 points. Louis is also the Boll Weevils’ biggest threat from long range as he is shooting a blistering 57.1 percent (12-21) from deep.
Henderson State Men’s Basketball faces Arkansas-Monticello in First Road GAC Game
