The University of Arkansas at Monticello Cotton Blossoms have jumped out to a 2-0 start in women’s basketball with a pair of victories in Fort Smith.
On Friday Alyssa Batton’s 23 points and Alindsey Long’s 15 sparked the Blossoms to a 60-45 victory over UA-Fort Smith in the MIAA/GAC Challenge at UAFS’ Stubblefield Center. Batton led all scorers in the game, as the Blossoms held the Lions to just one double-digit scorer.
UAM, of the Great American Conference, made 7 of 14 3-point shots, but struggled overall from the floor (19 for 50, 38%) while making 15 of 24 free throws. The lead changed hands five times and the score was tied nine times before the Blossoms found enough rhythm to come away with the win.
The Blossoms led 20-17 after one quarter and trailed 27-25 at halftime but used a 17-6 third-quarter spurt to turn the tide on the Lions. UAM outrebounded UAFS 46-30 with the help of newcomer Harper Biley’s 10 rebounds.
Telisha Brown led UAFS with 17 points and 3 steals. The Lions, of the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association, were held to 15 for 55 (27.3%) from the floor and made just 4 of 27 3-point baskets, while converting just 11 of 23 free throws.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
On Saturday UAM had to overcome a 35-26 halftime deficit to beat Newman University of Kansas 61-54. The Blossoms got the job done on the defensive end, holding the Jets to 6-of-23 floor shooting in the second half.
Long scored 18 points and made 2 steals. Batton had 14 points, and Brilynn Findley totaled 12 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Jaeden McMillin led Newman with 17 points.
UAM outrebounded Newman 48-29.
The Blossoms will play their first home game of the season at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday against Arkansas Baptist College at remodeling Steelman Fieldhouse.
WEEVILS START 0-2
In Tahlequah, Okla., the UAM men’s basketball team dropped its first two games of the season in the Central Region Challenge.
Despite 21 points by Arkansas Tech transfer Jakob Zenon, host Northeastern State took a 79-74 win over the Boll Weevils on Friday. All 7 of Zenon’s made field goals were from 3-point range.
Josh Smith scored 19, Ashton Price 14 and Isaac Jackson 12 for the Weevils, who trailed 40-38 at halftime. Xavier Glenn led the River Hawks with 22 points, followed by Taven Washington’s 14 points, Nehemiah Weber’s 13 points and Harry Neilson’s 12 points and 15 rebounds.
On Saturday Central Oklahoma beat UAM 70-57, riding a strong performance by Matthew Willenborg (26 points, 9 rebounds). Jacobi Sebock had 22 points and Josh Nwankwo 11 for the Bronchos.
Jackson led UAM with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Josh Smith scored 16 points and Zenon had 11.
The Weevils, who made 13 of 13 free throws despite the loss, will try to rebound Tuesday afternoon against Hendrix College in the Billie Ball Game at Steelman Fieldhouse. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
ALSO …
Southeast Arkansas College’s men’s team beat Central Baptist College 102-60 on Friday. Stats were not available, but SEARK (3-1) will host Champion Christian College at 1 p.m. next Saturday at H.O. Clemmons Arena.
The SEARK women’s team will visit Mississippi Delta Community College for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff Tuesday in Moorhead, Miss.