MONTICELLO - UAM (5-1) squandered a 16-point lead with less than four minutes left in regulation, falling to St. Mary’s (7-1) 61-60 in the opening day game of the Holiday Inn Express Classic in Monticello.

St. Mary’s Natalie Gamez sunk two foul shots with five seconds remaining to give the Lady Rattlers its final advantage, followed by an unsuccessful desperation attempt from UAM’s Nicole Lowe.

UAM was led by senior Andrea Dubose, who had 19 points, going 7-of-17 from the field, including 4-of-8 from behind the three-point line. Dubose also led the team with seven rebounds in her 38 minutes of action.

St. Mary’s Rachel Jones led the game with 23 points.

The Blossoms conclude play in the classic tomorrow with a 2 p.m. contest against Tougaloo College.