MONTICELLO — The University of Arkansas at Monticello women's basketball team opened up a three-game home stand on Monday with a 73-62 Great American Conference overtime loss to Ouachita.

The Blossoms (8-7, 5-6 GAC) traded early baskets with the visitors and took their first lead of the game on a Mia Hayes driving layup with six minutes left to go in the opening period.  After struggling from the floor in the opening minutes, UAM heated up and ended the first quarter on a 13-0 run that extended into the second period.  The Blossoms led by five, 16-11, after one.
 
Ouachita (6-11, 3-8 GAC) and UAM traded baskets to start the second quarter, and each team started the period 4-of-7 from the floor and the lead for the Blossoms was six halfway through. However, the Blossoms went the next six minutes without scoring until a Jordan Goforth four-foot jumper at the buzzer gave the Blossoms a two-point lead going into intermission, 28-26.
 
The second half opened up with both teams shooting well from close and from distance and neither being able to distance themselves from the other. The Blossoms held a slim 39-36 lead midway through the third.  After another scoring drought, UAM picked up its pace from the floor in, hitting six of their final seven shots and shooting 64 percent overall for the frame to hold a four point lead heading into the final period at 45-41. 
 
Senior Nikki Mullen opened up the final period with a three-pointer to give UAM their largest lead of the half at seven.  A 15-5 Tigers run, though, gave Ouachita its first lead of the second half 56-53 with four minutes remaining in the contest.  The teams traded jabs, forcing a 60-all tie with two minutes remaining.  After relinquishing the lead, a pair of Mullen free throws tied the game again at 62.  UAM had multiple chances to take the lead in the final minute but were unable to convert and the score remained tied at the end of regulation 62-all.
 
The Tigers controlled the overtime period, holding UAM scoreless to secure a road victory, snapping a five-game losing streak
 
The Blossoms finished the night shooting 46 percent from the field (25-for-55) and 50 percent from three (8-for-16).   Taylor Collins led the Blossoms in scoring with 15 points, and was one of four in double-figures, joined by Mia Hayes with 14, Nikki Mullen with 12 points and Jordan Goforth with 10.

The Tigers shot 50 percent from the field (26-for-52), 46 percent from long range (10-for-22), and 69 percent from the charity stripe (11-for-16). OBU's Katie Kapler led all scorers with 22.

UAM is back in action on Thursday at home against Southeastern Oklahoma State. Tipoff is 5:30 p.m. at Steelman Field House.