MAGNOLIA, Ark. - Women's Basketball wrapped up the Central Region Challenge with a late Saturday night tilt versus the University of Arkansas Monticello. Monticello found themselves victorious when all was said and done.

The Jets fall to 0-2 on the young season while UAM enters the win column for the first time in 2023-24. The Blossoms used an early first half advantage that they simply would not surrender as the game progressed.

A barrage of free throws allowed UAM to take complete control in the second half. With both teams shooting 61% at the charity stripe, neither squad took an advantage.

Valeriya Lioukina recorded her second double-double to open the season. The Latvian big grabbed a whopping eight offensive boards en route to a 10 point 10 rebound evening. The stat line was exact to that of the season opener on Friday in Magnolia against the tournament host, Southern Arkansas.

The tandem of young and old in Senior, Amiya Josey, and Freshman, Jaeden McMillin, each added nine points to the NU offensive efforts. The pair also recorded five rebounds apiece, while Josey stayed busy on the defensive end with three steals and two blocks, both team leading.

Both teams battled a frigid shooting night beyond the arc. For Newman, the shots that are not falling continue to hamper their scoring capabilities. The Jets will look to finish the good looks being created on the offensive end in the coming nonconference slate.

Newman heads to William Jewell Tuesday evening before hosting the Newman Classic on Friday and Saturday.