MONTICELLO, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello Women's Basketball team came back from Christmas Break for their first game of the new year on Thursday evening, hosting out-of-state GAC member Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The Blossoms came out with a 75-58 Loss to the Rangers.

Returning junior, Bailey Harris, was once again the leading scorer for Arkansas-Monticello (4-7, 0-5 GAC) with 13 points, going 5-11 on total field goals and 3-4 from the free throw line. She grabbed four defensive, and two offensive, rebounds on the afternoon, also contributing four assist, and two steals in her 37 minutes played.

Haleigh Crews and Alindsey Long followed close behind, both scoring 12 points against the Rangers. Crews hit 5-15 field goals and went 2-5 for three pointers on top of two assists and a rebound. Long connected on 4-9 field goals, with all four baskets from beyond-the-arc, alongside an assist and a steal.
 
Northwestern Oklahoma State (12-1, 4-1 GAC) was led by Faith Simpson with 30 points.

The first quarter opened with an early battle for the lead from both teams. The Ranger's took the control half way through the quarter, but saw UAM quickly tie the game back up with a layup from Bailey Harris. The Blossoms and the Rangers would continue going back and forth for the remainder of the quarter. A three from Haleigh Crews late in the period put the Blossoms in the lead, going in to the second quarter with a 18-17 lead.

Quarter two saw NWOSU retake the lead early. Arkansas-Monticello continued to battle on, eventually clawing their way back to a 23-23 game courtesy of a three pointer from Alindsey Long. The Rangers concluded the half with the advantage, sending the teams to the locker room with a score of 36-32.

The third ten minute period once again started with a lead from the Rangers. The Blossoms continued to chip away at the score, thanks to some key offense from Kelsey Blakemore and Bailey Harris leading the charge. Through best efforts, UAM trailed NWOSU 55-49 heading into the final quarter of the game.

The final quarter was the lowest scoring period of the game for UAM, seeing the Blossoms post only nine points. The game would inevitably come to a close with the Blossoms falling to the Rangers, 75-58.

Arkansas-Monticello committed 19 turnovers in the entirety of the match.
 

UP NEXT
The Blossoms continue 2024 action at Steelman Fieldhouse on Saturday, Jan. 6 when they host Great American Conference member Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The game is scheduled to tip off 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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