FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball returned to the court Friday, falling 75-64 to visiting Dallas Baptist at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

UAFS struggled to score in the opening minutes, scoring just 10 points in the first 14 minutes of action. The Lions then chipped away at the deficit and pulled within 25-21 with 2:43 remaining after a three-point play by forward Jaxon Ingram.

The Lions would trail 32-25 at the break, shooting just 38.1 percent in the first half.

DBU came out of the locker room to extend the lead to 13 at the first media timeout and would lead by as many as 19 in the second half.

However, the Lions kept battling as a free throw by guard Evan Anderson pulled the Lions within 69-62 with 2:07 left. But the Patriots would put the game away on their next two possessions with three free throws and a three to prevent the UAFS comeback.

UAFS shot 50.0 percent in the second half to finish at 44.7 percent for the game. DBU would finish with a 23-16 advantage at the free throw line.

Guard Payton Brown led the Lions with 16 points while guard Evan Anderson and forward Connor Slater each scored 10 points. Forward Furaha Cadeaux de Dieu added nine points and tied Slater for a team-high six boards.

Guard Courtney Murrell chipped in with eight points and three assists while forward David Ekezie tallied seven points and five rebounds.

DBU only had six turnovers to 15 for UAFS and outscored the Lions 17-5 in points off turnovers and 32-22 in points in the paint.

The Lions will look to bounce back Sunday at 3 p.m. against UT Tyler at the Stubblefield Center.