University of Arkansas Monticello - Boll Weevil Yearbook (Monticello, AR)

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184 Athletics WEEVILS SNAP PLAYOFF ABSENCE The 1978-79 basketball season was a rewarding one for the Weevils. VAM didn’t set the world on fire with its overall mark of 10-17, but the squad did accomplish the feat that no other UAM team had done in 11 years. Coach Doug Barnes’ squad stayed in the middle of the AIC standings throughout the season and finished in sixth place with a 7-11 slate. It also put the Weevils in the NAIA District 17 playoffs, a position UAM hadn't privileged since 1968. Hendrix eliminated Monticello 75-66, but it was the playoff experience gained that may prove to be the greatest asset. UAM loses only one player to graduation, thus making next year’s club promising. Looking back-over the past season, it doesn’t take long to point the finger. The 44-42 triumph over Hender- son was not only the Reddies’ first AIC defeat, but also one of only four that the Arkadelphia school suffered while placing second in the NAIA national tournament. It was the first taste of victory over Henderson in five years on the court, and it came at no better time. Barnes pointed to the win as being the key factor for UAM keeping itself alive in the playoffs. The Weevils broke another long drought by whipping Ouachita twice during the regular season. It was the first sweep of the Tigers since the '61-62 campaign. UAM opened the year with a 69-63 home victory over Belhaven College. Behind Theodis Bealer’s 24 points and a second-half rally, the Weevils held off the Clans- men for the initial win. The team brought home some hardware after the Thanksgiving holidays by placing third in the Holiday Classic at Searcy. UAM fell to Evangel College in the first game but came back to whip Belmont College for third place. The Weevils then dropped non-conference tilts to UA- Pine Bluff and Belhaven before opening the AIC slate on the wrong foot against Ozarks. UAM crushed Ouachita for its first league win, but lost big to Henderson at Arkadelphia. e UAM didn’t fare well in its New Orleans’ tour as Ni- cholls States and Xavier sent the Green back to Arkan- sas for the thick of the AIC schedule. Weevil players battle for a rebound against Ouachita. a)

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One does not have to go way back to know the history of the Cotton Blossoms. In six short years, UAM has become a household word in women’s basketball. The school competed as an independent team in the late '60s and finally joined the AWISA in 1973. Coach Mary Jane Lavender has guided the team to a 111-41 mark and a win- ning percentage of .73. UAM has won two con- ference titles, one state championship, quali- fied for regional five times and finished as the seventh best team in the 1978 national AIAW tournament. Athletics 183

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Monticello finished out the first round with wins over Harding and Arkansas Tech, but fell to Southern Arkan- sas, Hendrix, Arkansas College and Central Arkansas in the process. The Weevils then put together three straight tri- umphs, the first an impressive showing against Delta State. The second OBU victory followed and then came the shootout with Henderson. Barnes was able to-play his style of game against the talented Reddies as UAM deliberately worked for the sure shot. HSU overcame a five-point deficit in the last two minutes, but a turnover gave the Weevils possession with five seconds remaining. Bealer canned the winning bucket from the top of the circle as the buzzer sounded. Bedlam broke out immediately. Following losses to Harding, SAU and Hendrix, the Weevils nailed down their much wanted playoff berth with a road victory against Tech. UAM didn’t finish the regular season successfully either as UCA and Arkansas College won easily. Hendrix built a comfortable first-half lead in the play- off game at Barton Coliseum. But Larry Robinson's dead-eye shooting brought the Weevils back to within one with six minutes left. The Warriors’ experience and free throws was the difference in the final two minutes. The Weevils left Little Rock disappointed, knowing down deep they’ll return again. The experience points toward next season. Joey Anders and Mitch Myrick battle for a rebound. elhaven College : Belmont College ‘Henderson Nicholls State Xavier Harding Southern Ar ‘Hendrix Arkansas Tech — Arkansas College Central Arkansaie Delta State — - Ouachita : Henderson Harding day Clas Ozatks “eo | : te a. SE . Caiftererieaasifhes Bi ' « District 17 playoff ¥ Athletics 185