Paul Smith
Sports Information
Director
The University of Arkansas at
Monticello Cotton Blossoms (15-13) suffered through a 13-of-22 night from the
free throw line, eventually falling to 70-69 to the West Alabama Tigers on a
last-second 3-point shot by Veronica Lee.
The Blossoms took charge early, opening up a seven-point (16-9)
lead with 12:36 remaining after a three-pointer by Jenna Thomas (Sr.,
Shreveport, La.). However, UWA rallied to take a five-point (29-24) lead eight
minutes later after Lee drained a pair of free throws.
UWA extended their lead to six with 1:37 left, but the Blossoms cut
the UWA lead to just one going into halftime.
UAM took charge early in the second half, pushing ahead by as many
as 13 (59-46) with 8:03 remaining, and seemed to have the game well at hand
after Katrina Dean (Sr., Conway) hit a lay-up with 15 seconds left to give
the Blossoms a four-point (69-65) lead. However, the Lady Tigers pushed down
court, pulling to within two (69-67) with eight seconds left after a Wennica
Foster layup.
The Tigers called time out, and forced a turnover on the inbounds
pass to regain possession with just over six seconds left. As UWA inbounded the
ball, Jessica Thompson missed a jumper that deflected off a UAM player, falling
out of bounds with 1.9 seconds left.
Lee's last second 3-point attempt rattled around the rim for
what seemed like an eternity before finally falling through the cylinder to give
the Tigers the victory.
Dean's 22 points led the Blossoms. Thomas added 15 points. Lee led
all scorers with 28 points.
Despite the Blossoms climbing to seventh in the most
recent NCAA Division II South Region poll, UAM is
considered a long-shot to qualify for the NCAA Division
II South Region tournament. The tournament field will be
announced Sunday, March 5.
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