MONTICELLO, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball held UA Monticello to just 32.9 percent shooting but was unable to come out on top in a defensive battle, falling 61-53 to the Blossoms in its final nonconference game of the season.

The Lions led 13-9 after the first 10 minutes by shooting 54.5 percent and holding UAM to 14.3 percent. UAFS continued to lead for the majority of the second quarter until the Blossoms took the lead on a jumper with 26 seconds left. 

A three by guard Riley Hayes with 2:33 left in the third quarter gave the Lions the lead back at 37-36, only for UAM to retake the lead on the ensuing possession. That started a 19-4 run for UAM that stretched halfway through the fourth quarter. 

UAFS answered with a 9-0 run to get back within 55-50 with 2:09 remaining, but that was as close as it would get in the final minutes. 

Guard Baylee Fincher led the Lions with 12 points while forward Kayla Brundidge and guard Hannah Boyett each had eight points. Brundidge pulled down a team-high eight rebounds, as well. 

UAM had a 21-6 edge in second chance points after grabbing 19 offensive rebounds and also led the Lions, 26-8, in points off turnovers. 

UAFS returns to the Stubblefield Center November 30 to open Lone Star Conference play against West Texas A&M.