FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith suffered its second straight overtime defeat Saturday, dropping a 94-89 decision to Harding University at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center. 

The Lions held an 83-78 lead with 11 seconds left after a pair of free throws, with the Bisons quickly going down the floor for a basket to make it 83-80 with three seconds left. After the Lions missed the front end of the one-and-one, Harding drained a shot from beyond half court to send the game to overtime. 

In the extra period, the lead swapped hands four times with Harding eventually taking a 92-89 lead. UAFS then forced a turnover with six seconds left, but its three pointer to tie the game rimmed out, with the Bisons corralling the rebound and converting a pair of free throws for the final margin. 

The game featured 14 lead changes and 16 ties as neither team led by double digits. Both teams attacked the rim, with each scoring over 40 points in the painted area. Free throws proved to be a difference maker, with the Bisons going 26-for-31 from the line compared to 16-for-27 for the Lions. 

Guard Payton Brown led the Lions with 20 points off the bench, converting on 6-of-13 three-point attempts. Forward Furaha Cadeaux de Dieu added 18 points and seven rebounds, shooting 9-for-10 from the floor. 

Guard Roland McCoy added 10 points, while guards Lian Ramiro and Cameron Bush each tallied nine points. 

UAFS recorded 44 bench points in the loss. 

Up next for the Lions is its Toy Toss game, slated for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against Ecclesia College at the Stubblefield Center.