Louisiana Tech Dominates Arkansas-Monticello 76-17 in Men's Basketball Exhibition

A Lopsided Exhibition in Ruston

The University of Arkansas at Monticello men’s basketball team faced a daunting challenge on Thursday night, falling 76-17 to Louisiana Tech in an exhibition matchup at the Thomas Assembly Center. While the final scoreline suggests a night of total dominance, the game served as a stark, high-intensity test for the Weevils as they prepare for the start of their regular season. According to reports from UAM Sports, the game was characterized by a stifling defensive performance from the Bulldogs, who held the visitors to single digits in both halves of play.

For Louisiana Tech, the 59-point margin of victory marks their largest since a 95-33 win over Millsaps College back in November 2015. The Bulldogs showcased a balanced offensive attack, with eleven different players contributing to the scoreboard. Braylon Wenger led the way with 13 points, while Iyran Francis Jr. added 12 points and a game-high eight rebounds, as noted in coverage by LA Tech Athletics.

Defensive Pressure and the Statistical Gap

The defensive pressure applied by the Bulldogs proved to be the defining element of the evening. Louisiana Tech forced the Weevils into 23 turnovers, capitalizing on those mistakes to generate 36 points off turnovers. The defensive intensity was unrelenting, as the Bulldogs recorded 18 steals—a mark that ties for the second-most in a single game in the program’s history.

For the Weevils, the night was a trial by fire. Marvin Schindler led the Arkansas-Monticello effort with seven points and seven rebounds over 38 minutes of play. Despite the challenging environment, the team managed to record four blocks and 22 total rebounds.

“It’s a good win, we could have had more intensity on defense, but overall we executed the game plan we’ve been practicing,” said Braylon Wenger, as reported by LA Tech Athletics. “We had 23 assists, that shows that we are playing for each other and not for ourselves.”

The statistical contrast between the two sides was significant. While Louisiana Tech saw 23 of their 30 field goals assisted, the Weevils struggled to find a rhythm against the Bulldogs’ defensive rotation, shooting just 6-of-38 from the field.

Looking Toward the Regular Season

Despite the result, the exhibition provides a clear baseline for Arkansas-Monticello head coach Chad Tapp as he leads the team into his sixth year with the program. The focus now shifts immediately to the regular season opener. The Weevils are scheduled to face Lyon College on Monday, November 9, at noon inside Steelman Field House. The game, billed as the “Billie Ball Game,” represents the first real opportunity for the squad to translate their preseason preparations into a conference-level performance.

Louisiana Tech, meanwhile, faces a quick turnaround before traveling to Baton Rouge to face LSU on the same day. The Bulldogs will look to carry the momentum from their efficient shooting and defensive cohesion into that matchup at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

As the college basketball season finds its footing, the events in Ruston underscore the reality of early-season exhibitions. For the victors, it is a statement of depth and disciplined execution; for the visitors, it is a hard-learned lesson in ball security and offensive efficiency that will be tested again in just a few days’ time.