MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Junior Monica Perkins-Miller scored a career-high 27 points, aiding the University of Arkansas at Monticello women’s basketball team to an 87-66 victory over Southern Arkansas in Gulf South Conference action.

 

The Blossoms (14-4, 6-1 GSC) started slow, even trailing the Lady Muleriders (8-12, 2-5 GSC) by as much six points late in the first half.

 

In the second half, UAM held SAU scoreless for more than six minutes, allowing the Blossoms to extend their lead to as much as 21 points with 14:11 left in regulation before the Lady Muleriders could respond with a lay-up from SAU forward Crystal Kirk.

 

Also a key factor in the victory was forced turnovers. UAM and SAU were even after the first half with eight turnovers each. In the second half, UAM forced 14 SAU turnovers aiding to the comfortable win.

 

Perkins-Miller (Houston, Texas) was close to perfect, connecting on 12-of-15 field goal attempts and 3-of-3 from the charity stripe. She also grabbed nine rebounds in the contest, just one shy of a double-double.

 

Sophomore Erika Brown (Shreveport, La.) also had an impressive performance, turning a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds.

 

Senior Sharlene Murphy (Coldwater, Miss.) also reached double-digits with 10 points, four of which came from the free-throw line.

 

SAU was led by Goldie White with 24 points. Lynzi Williams also reached double-digits 12 points.

 

UAM continues GSC play with a road-trip to Memphis, Tenn. on Thursday, February 5 for a 5 p.m. contest against Christian Brothers.