MONTICELLO — The University of Arkansas at Monticello women's basketball team fell against Great American Conference opponent Southeastern Oklahoma State Thursday evening in its 2016-17 conference opener by a final score of 72-69 at home. 

Arkansas-Monticello (2-1, 0-1 GAC) controlled the pace of the match-up against the Savage Storm (2-1, 1-0 GAC) for nearly the entire first half of play, as the Blossoms opened up the game on a 10-2 run. UAM continued to use the momentum and build a double-digit point lead over SOSU for the remainder of the first half, leading at half time, 46-29.

The second half of play saw Southeastern Oklahoma cut into the Blossoms lead and create small runs throughout the third and fourth quarters. A three-pointer by SOSU with 4:00 left to play in the contest tied up the game and the Savage Storm ultimately claimed victory on free-throws at the end of the match-up. 

Final team statistics on the night for UAM included shooting 36 percent from the field (24-for-66), 38 percent on three-pointers (8-for-21) and 62 percent on foul shots (13-for-21). The Savage Storm ended the match-up at 42 percent from the field (28-for-66), 26 percent on treys (5-for-19) and 69 percent on foul shots (11-for-16).

Offensively the Blossoms were led by junior Treasure Evans with 20 total points and three assists. Fellow juniors Taylor Collins and Brittnee Broadway finished the night in double figures as Collins totaled 19 points and Broadway added 11 of her own. 

Junior Regerina Baker led Arkansas-Monticello defensively as she pulled down eight total rebounds and recorded one block and one steal as well. 

The Blossoms will take to the court next on Saturday, November 19 as the Blossoms host the Tigers of East Central University inside Steelman Field House with tip-off slated for 1 p.m.