COMMERCE, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball was within three points late in the fourth quarter, but was unable to pull off the upset over No. 19 Texas A&M-Commerce, falling 76-70 at the Field House Tuesday evening.
Sophomore guard Hannah Boyett hit back-to-back three pointers to pull the Lady Lions (2-5, 2-5 LSC) within 64-61, but the Lions of A&M-Commerce (6-1, 6-0 LSC) responded with a 7-1 run, capped by a three-pointer that extended the lead to nine.
UAFS pulled back within six on multiple occasions in the final minute, but turned the ball over with 40 seconds left after having a chance to make it a one possession game. UAFS had a few more chances after a Commerce free throw, but was unable to convert.
The UAFS defense was locked in in the opening frame, collecting six steals in the opening five minutes. The Lady Lions held the lead for the first 15 minutes of the game in what was shaping up to be a defensive battle.
A&M-Commerce briefly took the lead in period two, before UAFS tied it back up at 20. Commerce then ended the half on a 7-2 run.
UAFS tied it up at 30 once again, but Commerce quickly extended the lead back to seven. Trailing by 11 to start the fourth quarter, the Lady Lions came out on an 8-0 run, with all eight points coming in the paint. Seniors Paige Elston and Mar'Shalia Lollie each scored four points in the spurt.
The teams then traded baskets before Boyett knocked down two of her three triples in the fourth.
Lollie controlled the paint, scoring a game-high 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds. She shot 11-for-19 from the floor. Boyett added 16 points and three assists.
Elson and Lollie each had three steals as the Lady Lions collected 12 steals and forced 21 turnovers. Elston scored 11 points to go with five rebounds and four assists, as well. UAFS finished with 16 assists on 25 baskets. Sophomore forward Laurissa Campbell gave UAFS four double-digit scorers with 10 points and eight boards.
After shooting just 25.7 percent in the first half, the Lady Lions shot 51.6 percent in the second half. UAFS secured 16 offensive rebounds, but they led to just eight second-chance points. They scored 38 points in the paint.
