MONTICELLO, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello women's basketball team had big-time offensive game to earn an 84-72 victory over Great American Conference opponent Arkansas Tech University from the Steelman Field House in Monticello, Arkansas on Saturday. The Blossoms shot 42.6 percent from the field and 58.8 percent from downtown to get the win.
 
The Blossoms put up 42 points in the first half shooting over 50.0 percent from the field to help them earn the victory.
 
Much of UAM's successes had to do with its stellar three-point shooting. After not hitting one three on Thursday against Southern Arkansas University, the Blossoms bounced back for 10 on Saturday.
 
UAM got off to a hot start and were up 20-11 going into the second period following a triple from Kyiah Julian.
 
To start the second quarter, it was Julian again lighting it up from three, and Mackenzie Tillman followed with a triple of her own moments later.
 
Arkansas Tech did cut the lead back to single-digits, but UAM kept up the offensive showing to take a 10-point lead into halftime, 42-32.
 
By the end of the third, the Blossoms did allow the Golden Suns back into the game as UAM only tallied 12 points in the quarter.
 
UAM made its push as we went into the fourth quarter thanks once again to some solid offense. With 4:45 left to play, Pamela Bethel got in on the action with a big-time layup off an assist from Tillman. Seconds later, Jaida Muhammad banged in a three put the lead back at double-digits.
 
Down the stretch, the Golden Suns kept fouling the Blossoms and they would hit their free throws and get the victory, 84-72.
 
Tillman had an outstanding day scoring 15 points, grabbing eight boards and dishing out nine assists.
 
Berniezha Tidwell, Nina Kizzee and Julian also finished in double-figures with 13 points, 12 points and 11, respectively.
 
With the win, UAM is now 16-8 overall and 11-7 in GAC play while ATU falls to 14-8 overall and 11-7 in conference games.
 
Five teams have clinched a GAC Tournament berth. Those that remain just on the outside are UAM, who sits tied for sixth with ATU and Southern Arkansas who is 10-8. Four games remain on the conference schedule and the race is too close to determine. The next two weeks will be absolutely crucial in determining who will get the sixth playoff spot.
 
UP NEXT
UAM will play its final two home games of the regular season beginning with East Central University on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.