MONTICELLO, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello Women's Basketball team continued Great American Conference play on Saturday afternoon hosting Harding University at Steelman Fieldhouse. The Blossoms came out with a 66-65 loss to the Bisons.

Returning junior, Bailey Harris, once again led the way for Arkansas-Monticello (4-5, 0-3 GAC) with 18 points, going 7-14 on total field goals, 1-3 on threes, and 3-3 from the free throw line. She also contributed four rebounds on the afternoon, with two offensive and two defensive. She also contributed an assist, a block, and a steal in her 34 minutes played.

Alyssia Thorne followed close behind, posting 16 points of her own on the game. She hit 7-8 field goals and 6-7 free throws on the game while giving the Blossoms eight defensive rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

Kelsey Blakemore and Haleigh Crews were the final Blossom in double-digits, scoring 12 and 11 points against the Bisons. Blakemore hit 4-6 field goals, 2-3 three pointers, and 2-2 shots from the line with three defensive rebounds and four steals on the night. Crews connected on 5-13 field goals and 1-1 free throws with five rebounds.
 
Harding (7-1, 3-0 GAC) was led by Josie Williams with 16 points.

The first quarter started off with an early lead from Harding, but UAM quickly tied the game back up. The Lady Bisons took the lead for the remainder of the quarter, seeing the Blossoms right on their heels. The score going into the second quarter had HU leading 14-11 over the UAM. 

Quarter two opened strong for the Blossoms as they took the lead from the Lady Bisons with a three from Bailey Harris. UAM continued with some great defense, denying the Lady Bisons anymore points and giving Alindsey Long a chance to sink another three pointer for the Blossoms. The Blossoms remained in control of the lead going into the half, heading to the locker room with a 28-24 lead over Harding. 

The third quarter proved to be an exciting one. The Blossoms remained in the lead but saw the Lady Bisons cut down the lead. A key shot beyond-the-arc from Kelsey Blakemore kept the Blossoms in the lead. Both teams continued going back and forth for the lead when Blakemore drained another three to once again give UAM the lead. Alindsey Long continued to stretch the lead with another three. The Lady Bisons regained the lead going into the fourth quarter, 49- 46. 

The fourth quarter saw the Lady Bisons stretch their lead. The Blossoms continued to close the gap with a couple quick layups from Haleigh Crews. Harding remained in the lead over the Blossoms going into the last four minutes of the game. The Blossoms continued to chip away at Lady Bisons lead and an amazing drive to the basket from Alissia Thorne tied the game at 63-63. After an absolute thriller of a quarter, a last second shot fell short for the Blossoms, giving the Lady Bisons the win, 66-65.

Arkansas-Monticello committed 14 turnovers in the entirety of the match.
 
GAME DAY SPONSOR
UAM Athletics would like to give a massive shout out to Saturday afternoon's game day sponsor, Ameca! Thank you for your continued support of UAM Athletics!



UP NEXT
The Blossoms return to action on Saturday, Dec. 16 when they travel to compete against in-state Great American Conference member Ouachita Baptist University. The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.

All live streams and live stats will be available as clickable links on the UAM Women's basketball schedule.

How to follow the Blossoms: For more information on Arkansas-Monticello Women's Basketball, visit www.uamsports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter and Instagram.

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