MONTICELLO – The University of Mobile shot close to 50 percent from the field and had 25 points off free throws in a 68-66 win over the University of Arkansas at Monticello women’s basketball team in UAM’s season opener.

The loss also marks the first defeat for UAM in the three-year history of the Dr. Mary Jane Gilbert Classic.

Mobile (5-1) was led by a game-high 33 points from Gerica Nelson, who connected on 8-of-19 attempts from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point range and 13-of-16 from the foul line.

UAM (0-1) was led by sophomore Chelsea Johnson, who had 18 points after knocking down 6-of-20 field goal attempts, 5-of-18 three-pointers and 1-of-2 foul shots.

The Cotton Blossoms fought back from a 44-33 deficit at halftime to take a 54-53 lead with 9:50 left in regulation thanks to a 10-point run started with a trey by freshman Emili Slamons at the 12:52 mark and ended with a layup by sophomore Jerica Hubard.

After three tie scores and four lead changes, the Cotton Blossoms trailed by one at 66-67 with six seconds left in regulation. Freshman LaChasity Seale’s inbound pass from UAM’s baseline was tipped away by UM’s Jerica Johnson, who was immediately fouled by junior Nykita Gordon. Johnson made the first free throw and missed the second attempt, but an errant pass by senior Yelitza Rivera on the rebound sealed the Mobile victory.

The Cotton Blossoms wrap up play in the Dr. Mary Jane Gilbert Classic tomorrow (Saturday) against Arkansas-Fort Smith at 2 p.m. inside Steelman Field House. Southern Arkansas defeated UA-Fort Smith in the tournament opener by a final score of 66-64. SAU plays Mobile tomorrow at 12 p.m.