HAMMOND, La. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello women’s basketball team opened its 2026–27 campaign on Thursday morning, taking on Southeastern Louisiana University in an exhibition matchup inside the University Center. Despite a strong second-half comeback, the Blossoms fell just short of the Lions, 71–64.
Returning senior Alyssa Batton led the way for Arkansas–Monticello, recording 19 points. Batton shot 6-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and went a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. She also contributed four defensive rebounds and one assist in 32 minutes of action.
Returning Junior Brilynn Findley followed with 16 points for the Blossoms, shooting an impressive 8-of-12 from the field. Findley added three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 33 minutes played.
Returner Taleigha Ealy was the third Blossom to reach double figures, finishing with 12 points. Ealy went 4-of-8 from the field, 1-of-2 from three-point range, and a perfect 3-of-3 at the free-throw line. She also led UAM with eight rebounds while adding two assists, one block, and one steal.
Southeastern Louisiana was led by Natalie Huff, who recorded a game-high 21 points, while Aliyah Collins followed with 19.
Arkansas–Monticello opened the contest with two free throws from Alyssa Batton, taking an early 2–0 lead. The Lady Lions responded, but the Blossoms continued to battle throughout the opening quarter. A three-pointer from Taleigha Ealy tied the game at 7–7 midway through the period. Southeastern Louisiana eventually built an eight-point advantage before UAM closed the quarter with six unanswered points, including a three-pointer from Batton, cutting the deficit to 17–15.
The second quarter saw Southeastern Louisiana take control offensively, outscoring Arkansas–Monticello 26–8. The Lions used a series of turnovers and fast-break opportunities to extend their lead. The Blossoms struggled to find an offensive rhythm, allowing Southeastern Louisiana to enter halftime with a 43–23 advantage.
UAM came out strong following the break, putting together its best offensive quarter of the game. The Blossoms outscored the Lions 27–12 in the third quarter, shooting 11-of-18 from the field while committing zero turnovers. UAM steadily chipped away at the deficit, with Batton connecting on a jumper in the final seconds to bring the Blossoms within five points, 55–50, heading into the fourth quarter.
In the final period, Arkansas–Monticello continued to battle but was unable to overcome Southeastern Louisiana’s lead. The Lions outscored the Blossoms 16–14 in the fourth quarter to secure the 71–64 victory. Despite the loss, UAM showed resilience in the second half, outscoring Southeastern Louisiana 41–28 over the final two quarters.
Arkansas–Monticello finished the contest shooting 47.2% from the field (25-of-53), 36.4% from three-point range (4-of-11), and 90.9% from the free-throw line (10-of-11). The Blossoms outrebounded the Lady Lions 39–28 but committed 25 turnovers compared to Southeastern Louisiana’s eight.
UP NEXT
The Blossoms return to action on Friday, November 13 to take on The University of Arkansas Fort Smith in the frist day of GAC/MIAA Challenge. The game is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
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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Article published with permission of UAM Athletics.
