MONTICELLO — The University of Arkansas at Monticello women's basketball team heads to the final month of the regular season on a winning note following a 67-63 Great American Conference victory over East Central on Saturday afternoon at home.

The Blossoms (9-8, 6-7 GAC) traded jumpers early with the guests from Ada holding a 10-7 lead with seven minutes to go in the opening stanza.  The UAM defense stiffened and allowed only one field goal for the rest of the period. A 15-3 run for the Blossoms gave UAM a 17-13 lead heading into the second period.

The Blossoms took their largest lead of the contest at 24-15 with six minutes remaining in the half, but a 10-3 Tigers run closed the gap to two over the next three minutes.  UAM held possession of the lead for the remainder of the period to hold 31-27 at the halftime break.
 
The second half continued where the first left off, with both teams chipping away and neither establishing a lead more than four points. A three-pointer from senior Jordan Goforth forced a 47-all tie at the end of the third period.
 
UAM opened the final frame on an 8-2 run and held a six-point lead at 55-49. ECU closed the gap to two points on a pair of free throws with just under a minute remaining in regulation.  The Blossoms made five free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

UAM shot 48 percent from the floor (24 for 50) for the game, including 40 percent on three-pointers (6 of 15).  UAM had a balanced scoring attack, with four players in double-figures.  Jordan Goforth led all scorers in the contest with 16 points.  Ayesha Wahid and Nikki Mullen added 13 each, and Taylor Collins added 12 in the winning effort for the Blossoms.
 
East Central was led by Alexa Adair who had 13 on the afternoon.
 
UAM now heads to Oklahoma for a pair of GAC road tests.  First is this Thursday, February 4 at Southwestern Oklahoma State. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. in Weatherford.