FORT SMITH, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello women’s basketball team opened the 2010-11 season with a 62-42 win over Oklahoma Panhandle State on Friday at Arkansas-Fort Smith’s Lady Lion Classic.

The Cotton Blossoms had three players reach double-figures in scoring with junior Alex Hart leading the way with a game-high 18 points after shooting 50 percent from the field (6-of-12). The Thurnhill, Ontario native also tallied six points from the foul line to go along with three steals.

Junior Chelsea Johnson followed Hart with 15 points, nine of which coming from three-pointers. Junior Channon Haywood rounded out UAM’s double-digits scorers with 12 points. Haywood and sophomore Jerica Hubbard tied for the team-high of eight rebounds.

As a team, UAM shot 36 percent from the field, 25 percent from three-point range and 56 percent from the foul line. The Cotton Blossoms used 40 percent shooting in the first half, while OPSU struggled with only three made baskets to give UAM a 31-11 lead at halftime.

Both teams posted 31 points in the second half.

Oklahoma Panhandle State was led by Tra’niqia Dishmon’s 11 points.

UAM concludes play in the Lady Lion Classic Saturday against the host team, Arkansas-Fort Smith. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center.