FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball took No. 19 West Texas A&M to the wire Saturday afternoon, but came up just short in pulling off the upset, falling 60-57 to the Lady Buffs inside the Stubblefield Center.

Trailing by three with 16 seconds remaining, the Lady Lions (0-3, 0-3 LSC) called timeout to set up a play to tie the game, but were unable to get a shot off before the buzzer.

The UAFS defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, allowing just seven points after the Lady Buffs (1-0, 1-0 LSC) poured in 23 points in the third. For the game, the Lady Lion defense produced 21 turnovers, leading to a 21-9 advantage in points off turnovers.

UAFS led 31-30 at the break, but WTAMU shot 60.0 percent in the third, leading by as many as 13 points. But UAFS chipped away, outscoring the Lady Buffs 10-4 over the final four minutes of the frame to cut the deficit to 53-46.

The Lady Lions had an opportunity to take the lead with just under four minutes remaining in the game, but a jumper in the paint by senior guard Paige Elston rimmed out, and WTAMU converted a three on the ensuing possession for a four-point lead.

UAFS once again cut the lead to a single point with a minute remaining, but the Lady Buffs once again converted on the opposite end of the floor for the game's final margin.

Senior center Mar'Shalia Lollie led the attack for UAFS, scoring 15 points to lead all scorers and pulled down four rebounds. Sophomore guard Ashanti Eden added 11 points and three assists, while Elston and sophomore guard Hannah Boyett each scored 10 points to give the Lady Lions four in double figures. Elston also had seven boards and a game-high five steals.

Sophomore forward Laurissa Campbell grabbed a game-high eight boards, but the Lady Buffs held a 45-33 edge on the glass. UAFS shot just 33.8 percent from the floor, while the Lady Buffs shot 45.5 percent.

UAFS will take another crack at taking down WTAMU tomorrow, as the teams meet once again at 2 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center.