KINGSVILLE, Texas – Texas A&M-Kingsville outscored University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball 23-8 in the third quarter as the Javelinas defeated the Lady Lions 84-75 in the season opener for both teams at the Steinke Center.

UAFS took a 47-39 lead into the break, but shot just 23.1 percent in the third quarter as the Javelinas regained the lead and never looked back. TAMUK shot 10-for-24 (41.7 percent) in the frame.

The Lady Lions led by as many as 15 in the second quarter, but the Javelinas used a 30-5 run spanning the second and third quarters to take a 60-50 advantage.

UAFS pulled within six points multiple times late in the fourth quarter, but were unable to pull off the late comeback.

TAMUK led throughout the first 12 minutes, but the Lady Lions used a 24-6 surge in the second to take a double-digit lead. Sophomore guard Hannah Boyett paced the run with seven points. Boyett led the Lions in scoring with 18 points on the night.

Three others joined Boyett in double figures, as sophomore guard Ashanti Eden chipped in 13 points, while sophomore forward Laurissa Campbell and senior guard Paige Elston added 11. Campbell also had a game-high eight rebounds.

UAFS shot a blistering 93.5 percent from the free throw line, converting 29-of-31 attempts. The Javelinas had a 44-30 advantage on points in the paint and 33-22 on points off turnovers.

The two teams will meet again Saturday at 2 p.m.