MONTICELLO, Ark. – The Reddies traveled to Monticello to face the Cotton Blossoms of Arkansas-Monticello today, coming out with the win 79-76.

Henderson State (14-8, 10-8) had two 20-point performances today, with Natalie Cardenas scoring 24, while Grayson Fairless added 20. Brynlee Huggins contributed 16 points for the Reddies as well. Fairless led Henderson with eight rebounds, while Huggins and Riley Samples each added four. Sam Basson and Samples each contributed three assists. On the defensive side of the ball, Samples recorded the lone block, while Cardenas led with two steals

Game Recap
In the first quarter, Henderson State struck early, taking a swift 6-4 lead within the first two minutes. Fairless scored six to keep the Reddies in the lead 14-8 with 4:48 remaining in the quarter. The Blossoms struck back, narrowing Henderson's lead to 15-14, before taking the lead 19-18 to finish off the quarter.

The second quarter began with Cardenas scoring two to recapture the lead, but a UAM push pulled them ahead 24-20 with 8:37 left in the quarter. The Blossoms continued to use that momentum to extend their lead, as they held a nine-point lead with 6:10 left in the half, 31-22. Going into the last three minutes, the Reddies still trailed, 36-29, before they rallied. Cardenas started off the scoring with a three, and Henderson State outscored UAM 13-4, and the Reddies retook the lead going into halftime, 42-40.

Coming out of halftime, Huggins scored a three to extend Henderson's lead 45-40. UAM continued to try and climb back, but the Reddies outscored them 12-6 in the first five minutes of the quarter. UAM kept it close however, pulling within two points several times, and with one minute left in the quarter, UAM tied it 60-60, and eventually took the lead 61-60. With 30 seconds left, Cardenas scored a free throw to tie the score 61-61, going into the last quarter tied.

In the final quarter, the Blossoms continued to fight Henderson State, tying the game 63-63 in the first two minutes. The Reddies refused to give up the lead however, as Cardenas and Huggins each supplied key scores to maintain a lead for Henderson State. UAM tied it again 74-74 with 2:23 left in the game, but Fairless scored the final three points, and Cardenas added two to give Henderson State the win 79-76.

Up Next –
Women's Basketball returns to the road on Thursday February 19th in Shawnee, Oklahoma to face Oklahoma Baptist. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 P.M.