SAN ANTONIO – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball trimmed a 26-point second-half deficit to three points in the final seconds, but was unable to complete the comeback at St. Mary's Saturday.

The Lions trailed 59-39 with 5:43 to go when the shots started falling. Guard Matthew Wilson connected on the first three of the game for UAFS to start a 13-2 run over the next three minutes.

Down 11 with 1:59 remaining, the Lions used a quick 6-0 run to cut the lead to five, capped by another three by Wilson. Five quick points by guard Courtney Murrell had the lead down to 66-63 with 35 ticks on the clock.

After a pair of free throws by the Rattlers, Wilson hit another three to make the score 68-66. St. Mary's made one of two at the line, giving the Lions a chance to tie the game. However, the Lions missed their shot attempt, with the Rattlers then closing out the game with four made free throws.

UAFS found itself down 37-18 at the half after shooting just 28.6 percent in the first half while the Rattlers shot 51.9 percent. The Lions then shot 53.3 percent in the second half.

Forward Chris Rollins led the Lions with 19 points and eight rebounds, with Wilson and Murrell scoring 14 points each. Wilson recorded four steals, with both players also dishing out three assists. Guard Evan Anderson added six points and five assists.

UAFS held the edge in points in the paint, 36-24, and in second chance points, 13-8. UAFS had four more offensive rebounds, but St. Mary's won the overall battle on the glass, 34-28. The Lions had 12 steals and forced 20 Rattler turnovers, leading to 15 points off turnovers.

The Lions will look to get back in the win column Thursday against Angelo State at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.