BETHANY, Okla. - The University of Arkansas at Monticello Blossom basketball team opened their second half of conference action Friday night in Bethany, Oklahoma taking on the Crimson Storm of Southern Nazarene University. The Blossoms came out of the contest with a 66-49 loss.

Opal Hardy led the way for Arkansas-Monticello (6-12, 1-11 GAC), posting 12 points in the matchup. Hardy hit 5-9 total field goals, one three-pointer, and 1-1 free throws on the evening. She also contributed four total rebounds in her 30 minutes played, along with one assist and a steal. 

Southern Nazarene (6-10, 6-6 GAC) was led by Nessa Begay with 17 points.

Arkansas-Monticello struggled offensively through the opening quarter of the game, falling to Southern Nazarene 25-12. The second quarter saw the Blossoms and Crimson Storm exchange baskets back-and-forth, with UAM prevailing by two, 12-10. The teams would head to the locker room at the half with the Blossoms trailing, 35-24.

The second half of the matchup continued with the back-and-forth battle between Arkansas-Monticello and Southern Nazarene. The Blossoms scored 16 points in comparison to the Crimson Storm's 15 in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 10 points. The Crimson Storm did not falter, holding the Blossoms to single-digits, 16-9, in the final quarter of the game. Unfortunately, the matchup concluded with a 66-49 loss for the Blossoms. 

Arkansas-Monticello committed 21 turnovers in the entirety of the match. 

UP NEXT
The Blossoms return to action tomorrow night in Shawnee, Oklahoma as they take on the Bison of Oklahoma Baptist at 5:30 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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