Lions, Lady Lions suffer road losses

Editor’s note: Story by Jonathan Gipson, sports information director for the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

WEATHERFORD, Okla. – The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Lions put up some gaudy numbers Tuesday night against the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs at Rankins Fieldhouse.

One stat in particular, however, summed up the Lions’ fate.

UAFS committed 24 turnovers, including key miscues in the waning seconds, that were a huge factor in the Lions’ 73-66 loss to the host Bulldogs, who ended their winless streak.

The late turnovers helped the Bulldogs (1-2) turn what was a one-point game with 40 seconds to go into a seven-point decision. It was the second-consecutive loss for the Lions (1-2), who were coming off a 94-68 loss to NCAA Division I UMass on Saturday night in the opening round of the Legends Classic in Amherst, Mass.

UAFS lost despite double-double performances by juniors Josh Simmons and Chris Williams. Simmons, who was the Heartland Conference Player of the Week this week, scored 24 points to go along with 11 rebounds, while Williams had 13 points to go with 11 rebounds.

The duo helped the Lions out-rebound the D-II Bulldogs, who compete in the Lone Star Conference, by a 42-34 tally. Junior Aaron McHenry chipped in 11 points before fouling out. McHenry and Williams each fouled out.

UAFS shot 43% from the field (19 of 44) but was a paltry 22% from 3-point range (2 of 9). Southwestern Oklahoma State shot 45% from the field (24 of 53) and 40% from 3-point range (6 of 15).

It will be another quick turnaround for the Lions. UAFS will practice early Wednesday before departing for Statesboro, Ga., and this weekend’s sub-regional games of the Legends Classic.

The Lions will play Troy at 4 p.m. on Friday, host Georgia Southern at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Valparaiso at noon on Sunday.

LADY LIONS
Three Lady Lions scored in double-figures but that wasn’t enough as Pittsburg State pulled away down the stretch for the 11-point win (Pittsburg State 87, UAFS 76) at John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, Kan.

Junior Monica Spearman had 15 points, freshman Brittney Stout had 12 points and junior Adel Morris chipped in 10 to lead the winless Lady Lions (0-3), who shot 44% (28 of 63) from the field. Pittsburg State shot 48% (28 of 58) from the field for the game.
The Lady Lions led much of the first half but trailed 41-39 at halftime. The Gorillas maintained their lead throughout the second half, pulling out to a late double-digit margin.

The Lady Lions will return to action on Friday at 2 p.m. when they play No. 7-ranked Emporia State University on the first day of the Missouri Southern University Thanksgiving Classic in Joplin, Mo.