FORT SMITH, Ark. – The University of Arkansas at Monticello women's basketball team (1-1, 0-0 GAC) closed out the MIAA/GAC Crossover Saturday afternoon in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Blossoms finished the tournament with a hard-fought 70-66 victory over the Jets of Newman University (0-3, 0-0 MIAA).
Brilynn Findley led the way for Arkansas-Monticello, posting 15 points in the matchup. Findley hit 4-of-17 field goals on the day and went a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. She also contributed seven rebounds in her 37 minutes played, along with six assists and one block.
Keely Blanchard was the second Blossom in double digits, posting 14 points in the game. Blanchard went 4-of-6 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. She also added three rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block in her 28 minutes played.
Cydney Sanders added 11 points off the bench, going 4-of-9 from the field and connecting on three three-pointers. Sanders also grabbed three rebounds in her 21 minutes played.
Landrey Richardson rounded out the Blossoms' double-digit scorers with 10 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field. Richardson contributed six rebounds, one assist, and one block in 17 minutes of action.
Newman University was led by Jaeden McMillin, who finished with 21 points and nine rebounds.
Newman opened the game with a strong first quarter, outscoring Arkansas-Monticello 16-12. The Blossoms jumped out to an early 9-3 advantage before the Jets responded with a scoring run to take control. A three-pointer from Taleigha Ealy at the buzzer cut the deficit to four points heading into the second quarter.
Arkansas-Monticello found its rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring Newman 22-16. The Blossoms battled back and forth with the Jets before a three-pointer from Alyssa Batton gave UAM an 18-17 lead. Both teams continued exchanging baskets throughout the quarter, but a late layup from Findley sent Arkansas-Monticello into the locker room with a 34-32 advantage.
The Blossoms returned from halftime determined to extend their lead, outscoring Newman 16-13 in the third quarter. Arkansas-Monticello maintained its momentum behind contributions from Richardson, Batton, and Sanders. A late three-pointer from Sanders extended the Blossoms' advantage to eight points before the Jets responded, sending UAM into the final quarter leading 50-45.
The fourth quarter brought a competitive finish as Newman fought to erase the deficit. Arkansas-Monticello extended its lead to 10 points following a three-pointer from CyNara Robinson, but the Jets answered with a late scoring run. Newman tied the game at 66-66 with 45 seconds remaining. With 31 seconds left on the clock, Blanchard connected on a crucial layup to put the Blossoms back in front, 68-66. Blanchard followed with two free throws in the closing seconds to secure the 70-66 victory for Arkansas-Monticello.
Arkansas-Monticello finished the contest shooting 37.5% from the field, 34.8% from three-point range, and an impressive 93.3% from the free-throw line. The Blossoms outrebounded the Jets 48-33 and recorded 28 points off the bench.
UP NEXT
The Blossoms return to action on Tuesday, November 17, for their 2026-27 home opener inside Steelman Field House as they take on Delta State. Tip-off is scheduled for 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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