ODESSA, Texas – University of Texas of the Permian Basin used an 18-4 run over a five minute period in the second half to pull away from University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball, as the Lions fell in their return to play, 77-67, Saturday evening.

The Lions (0-3, 0-3 LSC) trailed just 53-47 with 11:25 remaining, but the Falcons (6-0, 5-0 LSC) scored 13 straight points and finished with an 18-4 run to lead by 20 at the 6:22 mark.

UAFS responded with a quick 12-0 spurt over a two-minute stretch to pull back within eight, but a technical foul stalled the Lion momentum.

Senior forward Chris Rollins paced the UAFS offense, scoring 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Rollins scored the majority of his points in the paint, leading to a 42-32 advantage for the Lions in that category. He also added seven rebounds.

The teams went back-and-forth in the first half, where there were 11 lead changes. Neither team led by more than six in the first 20 minutes. There were also six ties in the opening half.

Senior guard Matthew Wilson added 16 points, while freshman guard Drew Miller scored nine. Wilson tallied six assists with junior forward Braden Boyer pulling down seven boards.

The Lions and Falcons will battle at the Falcon Dome once again Sunday at 4 p.m.