FORT SMITH, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello women's basketball team opened its 2026–27 regular season 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 battled through a close game before falling to the Lions, 58–56.
Junior Brilynn Findley led the way for Arkansas–Monticello (0–1), posting 18 points in the game. Findley hit 5-of-13 total field goals on the day, with three three-pointers made and 5-of-9 free throws. She also contributed one defensive rebound in her 39 minutes played, along with two assists and three steals.
Returning Junior Alyssa Batton was another Blossom in double figures on the evening, posting 13 points. Batton went 3-of-14 on field goals, 2-of-9 on threes, and 5-of-6 on free throws, while contributing four rebounds and one assist.
CyNara Robinson also reached double digits for Arkansas–Monticello, recording 10 points off the bench. Robinson connected on 4-of-6 field goals, including one three-pointer, and added three rebounds and one steal in 26 minutes played.
Arkansas–Fort Smith (1–1) was led by Kylah Pearcy with 18 points.
Arkansas–Monticello opened the contest with the first points of the game coming from Taleigha Ealy on a jumper with 7:53 remaining in the opening quarter. The Lions responded with back-to-back baskets to take an early lead, but UAM continued to battle throughout the period. Arkansas–Fort Smith held UAM to seven points in the opening quarter, taking an 11–7 advantage into the second.
UAM found their momentum in the second quarter, beginning with a three-pointer from Findley to cut the deficit to one. Back-to-back free throws from Batton gave Arkansas–Monticello a 12–11 lead before another three-pointer from Findley extended the advantage to four. The Lions answered with a scoring run of their own, but UAM continued to fight back. A late three-pointer from Batton brought UAM within one before Arkansas–Fort Smith closed the half with a three-pointer to take a 30–26 lead into the locker room.
Arkansas–Monticello returned from halftime determined to close the gap, outscoring Arkansas–Fort Smith 16–11 in the third quarter. Batton opened the Blossoms' second-half scoring with a three-pointer, while Robinson contributed seven points during the period. With nine seconds remaining in the quarter, Findley connected on a three-pointer to give UAM a 42–41 lead heading into the final ten minutes.
The Blossoms carried their momentum into the fourth quarter, opening with six consecutive points to extend their lead to 48–41. Arkansas–Monticello reached its largest advantage of nine points following a three-point play from Findley with 4:15 remaining. However, the Lions responded with a late scoring run to close the gap. A layup from Findley and a free throw from Keely Blanchard helped UAM maintain its lead, but Arkansas–Fort Smith tied the game at 55–55 with 42 seconds remaining.
Findley put UAM back in front with a free throw at the 24-second mark, giving Arkansas–Monticello a 56–55 advantage. The Lions answered with a layup and a free throw from Pearcy with 16 seconds remaining to regain the lead. Despite a final scoring opportunity for the Blossoms, Arkansas–Fort Smith held on for the 58–56 victory.
Arkansas–Monticello committed 17 turnovers in the game while forcing 20 from Arkansas–Fort Smith. Arkansas-Monticello recorded 18 points off turnovers and 14 fast-break points.
UP NEXT
The Blossoms return to action on Saturday, November 14 to take on the Newman University Jets in the final day of GAC/MIAA Challenge. The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 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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