LUBBOCK, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball narrowly missed out on knocking off the top-ranked team in the country Thursday, dropping a 57-51 decision at Lubbock Christian.

UAFS went toe-to-toe with the No. 1 Chaps, trading the lead four times in the first half. LCU led by six late in the first, with the Lions later closing the half on a 4-0 run to trail just 29-28 at the break.

The Chaps grew the lead to eight in the second, but the Lions would not go away, as guard Matthew Wilson caught fire from beyond the arc. Back-to-back triples cut a 46-38 deficit to 46-44 with eight minutes remaining.

However, UAFS could not get any closer than two as LCU sealed the game with three free throws.

Second-chance points put the Lions at a disadvantage, as the Chaps outscored them 15-1. LCU had a 33-28 edge on the glass.

With four points in the first half, Wilson became the sixth Lion to score 1,000 points in the NCAA II era. He moved into fifth all-time with 1,016 points after finishing with a game-high 20 points.

Forward Chris Rollins added 10 points and six rebounds while guard Evan Anderson chipped in eight points and five assists.

The Lions will look to get back on track Saturday at 5 p.m. at Eastern New Mexico.