FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball put up another gritty performance, but was unable to walk away with the win Thursday night against Oklahoma Christian, dropping a 72-68 contest to the Eagles at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lady Lions (2-6, 2-6 LSC) held a four-point lead with just over three minutes remaining, but the Eagles (4-3, 4-3 LSC) regained the lead just 90 seconds later with a 5-0 run.

UAFS then took the lead back at 68-67 with 1:12 left after converting four free throws. OC would then drain a three on the ensuing possession to up once again.

The teams then traded turnovers, giving the Lady Lions a chance to tie or take the lead in the final 20 seconds. Freshman Jasmyn Studamire had a good look at a driving layup, but it bounced off the rim to the Eagles, who made both free throws on the other end to put the game out of reach.

UAFS trailed for most of the second half, but never by more than five points. Trailing 60-55, the Lady Lions embarked on a 9-0 run over a four-minute stretch to set up the final minutes. Senior center Mar'Shalia Lollie sparked the run with four point and an assist.

As back-and-forth as a game can get, it featured 13 lead changes and 12 ties. Shooting percentages were also similar, with the Eagles at 45.8 percent and Lady Lions at 43.3 percent. UAFS scored 38 of their 68 points in the paint and had a 16-2 advantage in bench points.

Both teams pulled down double-digit offensive rebounds, but the Eagles were able to make the most of those second chances, outscoring the Lady Lions, 16-8.

Lollie once again paced the UAFS offense, scoring 22 points along with eight rebounds. Senior guard Paige Elston stuffed the stat sheet, contributing 11 points, seven assists, five steals and three rebounds.

Freshman guard Nya Stewart earned her fist career start, and tallied 12 points on 4-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Studamire added seven points and five boards off the bench.

The Eagles and Lady Lions will go at it once again Saturday, with UAFS travelling to OC for a 1 p.m. tipoff.