MONTICELLO, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Monticello's women's basketball returned home to Steelman Field House Thursday evening for a GAC meeting with the 19th-ranked Lady Rangers of Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The Blossoms put up a hard fight with the powerhouse Lady Rangers, but came out of the contest with a 77-62 loss.

Alyssa Batton led the way for Arkansas-Monticello (5-10, 0-9 GAC), posting 20 points in the matchup. Batton hit 8-16 total field goals, three three-pointers, and 1-1 free throws on the evening. She also contributed two offensive rebounds in her 30 minutes played, along with two steals and an assist.

Brilynn Findley followed close behind in the double-digits, scoring 18 points of her own. Findley hit 7-12 field goals, one three-pointer, and 3-3 from the line while grabbing five defensive rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. 

Alindsey Long saw 10 points posted on the evening as the final Blossom in the double-digits. Long hit 3-11 field goals, two three-pointers, and 2-3 free throws, along with one defensive rebound, two assists, and a steal.

Northwestern Oklahoma (13-2, 8-1 GAC) was led by Camille Pritchard with 21 points.

The opening half of the game was a battle throughout its entirety. Arkansas-Monticello and Northwestern Oklahoma exchanged baskets back and forth in the opening quarter, seeing the score tied four times. The Lady Rangers prevailed, outscoring the Blossoms 17-14. The second quarter saw the Blossoms flip the script in their favor, outscoring the Lady Rangers 21-20. The teams would head to the locker room at the half with the Blossoms trailing by two, 37-35.

Arkansas-Monticello struggled to keep up with Northwestern Oklahoma's offense in the third quarter, as the Blossoms were held to single digits, 21-9. The Lady Rangers increased their advantage to 14 points, leading 58-44. The final quarter of the game saw the Blossoms battle for points, with the Lady Rangers scoring 19 points in comparison to UAM's 18. As the time ran out, the matchup concluded with a 77-62 loss for the Blossoms.

Arkansas-Monticello committed 14 turnovers in the entirety of the match.

UP NEXT
The Blossoms continue home action on Saturday, January 17 for a 1:00 meeting with the Lady Bulldogs of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. 

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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