FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball nearly handed No. 7/10 Lubbock Christian University its first loss of the season Friday night at the Stubblefield Center, but the Chaparrals held on for the 76-72 win.
Senior guard Matthew Wilson drilled a three-pointer with 5:44 to play to give the Lions (3-6, 3-6 LSC) a 67-65 lead, but the Chaps (11-0, 11-0 LSC) answered on the ensuing possession to knot the game at 67.
The Chaps then scored four more points to take a 71-67 lead, before senior forward Chris Rollins cut the lead back to one on a layup and free throw on back-to-back possessions.
LCU split its attempts at the line with 10 seconds left for a 74-70 lead, and Wilson quickly converted a layup in the final seconds to pull within 74-72, giving the Lions a final chance to steal or extend the game.
However, the Chaps hit both free throws, and a heave at the buzzer for the Lions was no good.
Wilson scored 17 of his team-high 24 points in the second half, and hit three triples down the stretch to keep the Lions in the game, including the one to briefly take the lead.
UAFS trailed 37-26 late in the first half, but freshman guard Payton Brown went on a 7-0 run to end the half to bring the Lions within 37-33 at the break.
The Lions added to that run to start the half, extending it to 11-0 to tie the game before a Chaps three. LCU managed to get the lead up to eight at 58-50, before Wilson scored 14 of 17 points to get the Lions back in the game.
The Chaps made a living at the free throw line in the second half, and ended with a 21-11 advantage in made free throws. They also had a slight edge in points in the paint, at 32-26.
Both teams were efficient from the floor, with the Chaps shooting 55.8 percent and the Lions 51.0 percent.
Rollins joined Wilson and Brown in double figures with 13 points, while freshman forward Justus Cooper added seven points and a team-high nine boards. Sophomore guard Evan Anderson dished out six assists, as the Lions had 16 assists on 26 baskets.
The Lions and Chaps will do battle again tomorrow, with tipoff at 5 p.m. in the Stubblefield Center.
