FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith was unable to slow down the league’s highest scoring offense in a 100-79 defeat to Texas A&M International Saturday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.
The Lions had their best offensive output of the season, but the Dustdevils shot 50.7 percent from the floor and made 16 threes.
Five Lions scored in double figures, led by 17 from guard Morgan Browning. Browning was perfect from the field, going 6-for-6 overall and 2-for-2 from beyond the arc. She was also 3-of-3 at the line.
Guard Hannah Boyett contributed 14 points, while forward Kayla Brundidge had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Riley Hayes added 10 points and guard Baylee Fincher tallied 11.
The Lions went toe-to-toe with the Dustdevils over the first 20 minutes, trailing just 21-19 at the end of the first and 49-40 at the half.
TAMIU then led 69-49 late in the third quarter before the Lions went on a 14-4 run to get back within 10. However, the Dustdevils scored the final four points of the quarter for a 77-63 lead after three.
UAFS finished shooting 47.4 percent from the field and totaled 32 points in the paint. TAMIU, who came in leading the league in turnover differential, had a 27-16 advantage in points off turnovers.
The Lions are back on the road next week as they begin a road trip at St. Mary’s January 18.
