FORT SMITH, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Monticello women's basketball team began its 2025–26 campaign against the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith on Friday in the MIAA/GAC Crossover Tournament held in Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center. The Blossoms were victorious in their season opener, coming away with a 60–45 win.

Returning sophomore Alyssa Batton led the way for Arkansas–Monticello (1–0), posting 23 points in the matchup. Batton hit 6-of-13 total field goals on the day, with three three-pointers made and 8-of-12 free throws. She also contributed six defensive rebounds in her 32 minutes played, along with two assists, one block, and one steal.

Returning senior Alindsey Long was the other Blossom in double figures on the evening, posting 15 points. Long went 5-of-15 on field goals, 4-of-8 on threes, and 1-of-4 on free throws, with one assist, one steal, and two defensive rebounds.

Arkansas–Fort Smith (0–1) was led by Telisha Brown with 17 points.

Arkansas–Monticello held control for almost the entirety of the game, outscoring Arkansas–Fort Smith in three of the four quarters. The first points of the 2025 season came from UAM's Alyssa Batton on a free throw within 17 seconds of the game. The Blossoms won the opening quarter, outscoring the Lions 20–17; however, UAFS held the Blossoms to single digits in the second quarter, outscoring UAM 10–5. The teams headed to the locker room at the half with the Blossoms trailing the Lions by two, 27–25.

Arkansas–Monticello's momentum continued into the second half. The Blossoms held the Lions to single digits in the third quarter, outscoring Arkansas–Fort Smith 17–6. The fourth quarter saw the Blossoms once again increase their lead, as UAM posted 18 points to UAFS's 12. The Blossoms reached a game-high lead of 18 points after a three-pointer from Alindsey Long with 2:45 left on the clock. As time expired, Arkansas–Monticello came out on top with a 60–45 victory.

Arkansas–Monticello committed 21 turnovers in the game.
 

UP NEXT
The Blossoms return to action on Saturday, November 15 to take on the Newman University Jets in the final day of GAC/MIAA Challenge. The game is scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. inside the Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

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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