LAWTON, Okla. – Freshman guard Payton Brown erupted for 38 points as University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball defeated Cameron University Friday evening, 85-76, in a Lone Star Conference North Division matchup.

Brown scored 23 of his points in the first half, and scored the first eight points of the second half for the Lions (3-4, 3-4 LSC). He shot 13-for-18 from the field, including 4-for-8 from beyond the arc. He was 8-for-8 from the line and 8-for-9 in the first half from the floor. He also added six rebounds and three assists.

Brown's 38 points are tied for the seventh most in a single game in the NCAA II era.

UAFS led throughout the first half, but the Aggies (1-8, 1-8 LSC) continued to battle back to knot things up multiple times.  The Lions finally secured the lead they would never relinquish with 2:57 left in the opening period on a layup by junior forward Matiss Sivins.

Leading 36-34, the Lions closed the half on an 11-0 run, with Brown contributing eight points. When Brown continued his surge at the beginning of the second half, the Lions extended the lead to as many as 18 points.

The Lions led by double digits the majority of the second half, before the Aggies made a late push in the final minutes. As the Lions split their free throw attempts down the stretch, the Aggies pulled within five with just over a minute left.

However, the UAFS defense clamped down, getting stops on the final three possessions to seal the win.

Senior forward Chris Rollins put up yet another double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds. Senior guard Matthew Wilson chipped in 11 points and six assists.

Sophomore guard Evan Anderson had just two shot attempts, but impacted the game with career-highs of six boards and seven assists. Freshman forward Justus Cooper added eight points and five rebounds, as well as a block in the final minute.

The Lions were efficient from the floor, shooting 57.1 percent overall and 52.6 percent from three. The Lions also won the battle of the boards, 37-31.

Assistant coach Jimmy Boone served as the head coach for the game, as head coach Jim Boone missed the game due to Covid-19 protocols. 

UAFS will next host Cameron at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Stubblefield Center.