TYLER, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball fell in double overtime Friday night, dropping a 96-91 decision at UT Tyler in Lone Star Conference action.
UAFS (3-8, 3-8 LSC) scored first in both overtime periods, but the Patriots (5-9, 4-9 LSC) used an 8-0 run in the second overtime to pull off the comeback win.
The Lions had an opportunity to win it at the buzzer in both regulation and in the first overtime, but committed offensive fouls each time. However, the Lions defense was able to make a stand both times to extend the game.
After a pair of free throws by freshman guard Payton Brown to put UAFS up 83-77 with 46 seconds left in the first overtime, the Patriots hit back-to-back threes to tie the game.
It was a similar situation at the end of regulation, as the Lions led 75-66 with just under two minutes remaining. But alas, the Patriots hit three threes in a row combined with a pair of stops to tie the game.
UAFS looked as if it was in control midway through the second half, as the Lions led by as many as 16 at 67-51 with 7:33 left. The Patriots then switched to a full court press, forcing the Lions into 24 turnovers for the game. The Patriots held a 31-18 advantage in points off turnovers.
Brown paced the Lions with 36 points before fouling out, including 23 in the first half. He was a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line.
Senior forward Chris Rollins posted his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Senior guard Matthew Wilson added 17 points and five assists, with nine of the points coming in the final minutes of regulation and overtime.
Sophomore guard Evan Anderson tallied seven points, four boards and seven assists.
The Lions outshot the Patriots 52.3 percent to 39.1 percent, but UTT made 11 more free throws on 19 more attempts. UT Tyler made 15 threes on the night. UAFS dominated in the paint, outscoring UTT 46-18 in the painted area.
UAFS will have a chance to bounce back quickly, as the Lions face the Patriots Saturday at 3 p.m.
