ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Monticello women's basketball team closed out the 2024-25 season Saturday afternoon with a victory over the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist Univeristy, by a final score of 79-78. The Cotton Blossoms complied a (12-16, 7-15 GAC) record for the season. 

Ella Mask led the way for Arkansas-Monticello (12-16, 7-15 GAC) with a career-high 21 points on the afternoon. Mask was 7-9 on total field goals, going 7-8 from distance. She also contributed four rebounds, two assists, and a steal in her 38 minutes on the court.

Bailey Harris and Alindsey Long followed behind in double-digits, posting 16 points each of their own. Harris hit 6-15 field goals, 2-5 three-pointers, and 2-2 free throws while grabbing four rebounds, two assists, and a block. Long hit 5-13 field goals, 2-7 three-pointers, and 4-6 free throws with two rebounds and two assists.

Kelsey Blakemore was the other Blossom in double-digits, scoring 12 points on the evening. Blakemore went 5-8 on field goals and 2-3 on free throws with seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Ouachita Baptist (9-17, 5-17 GAC) was led by Madeleine Tipton and Brooke Smith with 23 points each.

Ouachita Baptist primarily led the opening quarter, striking first to take a quick 6-0 lead, but the Blossoms fought back to keep the Tiger's advantage to three, leading 21-19. The Blossoms struggled to keep up with the Tiger offense in the second quarter, getting outscored 20-11. The teams were sent to the locker rooms at the half with Ouachita Baptist leading 41-30.

The Blossoms came out from the half to win the third quarter, outscoring the Tigers 18-13. Arkansas-Monticello's momentum continued throughout the fourth quarter, to outscore Ouachita Baptist 15-9. As the clock was ticking down to the last seconds of regular time, Ella Mask put up a three-pointer that tied the game at 63, sending it to overtime. After a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, a layup from Bailey Harris tied the game again at 70, sending it to a second overtime. The Blossoms reigned victorious in the additional period, claiming a 79-78 victory over Ouachita Baptist.  

Arkansas-Monticello committed 17 turnovers in the entirety of the match.

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The Blossoms will return to the court next fall for the 2025-26 season! We are forever grateful to the fans, faculty, staff, and students for their continued support throughout the entirety of the 2024-25 season. 

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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