FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball dropped a defensive battle Sunday afternoon to No. 19 West Texas A&M, falling 63-49 at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lady Lion defense was once again up to the task, forcing 21 turnovers for the second consecutive game. However, the Lady Buff defense proved just as tough, holding UAFS (0-4, 0-4 LSC) to just 22.8 percent from the floor.

UAFS scored 18 points off turnovers, compared to 10 for the Lady Buffs (2-0, 2-0 LSC).

While holding most of the Lady Buffs in check, guard Lexy Hightower proved a tough matchup for the Lady Lions, scoring a game high 27 points.

UAFS trailed by a dozen in the first quarter and 15 at the break, before starting to mount another comeback in the second half. The Lady Lions started the third quarter on a 15-7 run to pull within 41-34 on a pair of free throws by sophomore guard Ashanti Eden. Senior center Mar'Shalia Lollie scored eight points during the run.

Lollie converted a pair of free throws early in the fourth to pull within five, but Hightower scored all 16 points in the frame for WTAMU as they extended the lead back to double digits.

Lollie lead the Lady Lions with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds to go along with one block. Sophomore forward Laurissa Campbell contributed 10 points.

Despite being outrebounded 41-31, the Lady Lions grabbed 14 offensive rebounds for 10 second chance points.

UAFS will return to action after the holiday break at UT Permian Basin January 2-3.