FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball picked up its first win of the 2022-23 campaign with a 68-51 victory over University of the Ozarks Thursday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions never trailed in the contest as they started the game on a 10-0 run, the first eight being scored by guard Payton Brown. Brown would finish with a game-high 16 points.

After the Eagles pulled within 14-12, UAFS went on a 6-0 run spanning just over three minutes. The Lions then outscored the Eagles, 17-5, over the final 6:43 of the half for a 37-19 advantage.

The Lions grew the lead to as many as 25 at 55-30 with 11:15 left on a three by guard Drew Miller before the Eagles eventually trimmed the deficit to 16. However, the Lions quickly responded by taking the lead back to 23 points.

Forward Jaxon Ingram joined Brown in double figures with 11 points and six rebounds. Forward Connor Slater added nine points while three players chipped in with six points. Forward Furaha Cadeaux de Dieu led the Lions with eight boards.

UAFS shot 42.1 percent from beyond the arc while holding the Eagles to 30.8 percent and 34.0 percent overall. The Lions had a 31-2 advantage in second chance points and 31-18 edge in points in the paint.

The Lions are back on the road Saturday at 4 p.m. at Henderson State.