FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball led for over 38 minutes but came up short in overtime in an 81-73 defeat to West Texas A&M in the Lone Star Conference opener for both teams at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center Thursday.

The Lions led 64-58 with 3:18 remaining in regulation before the Lady Buffs trimmed the lead to three with 2:29 left. After empty possessions for both teams, the Buffs rattled in a three to tie the game with 14 seconds left.

UAFS had a chance to win at the buzzer, but the three-point attempt was unsuccessful.

In overtime, the Buffs scored first followed by a three by guard Hannah Boyett to put the Lions up, 67-66. That was the only lead of the extra period, however, for the Lions, as the Buffs broke a 69-69 tie with four straight points and the Lions only able to cut it to two twice. WT closed out the game by going 6-for-8 at the free throw line.

Defense allowed the Lions to get off to a 12-1 start, as they held the Buffs to just two made field goals in the first quarter. Although the Buffs pulled within two late in the second quarter, UAFS went into halftime on a 7-0 run, capped by a three at the buzzer by guard Zyniah Thomas.

UAFS led by 12 multiple times in the third and took a 56-46 lead into the fourth.

Guard Baylee Fincher led five Lions in double figures with 15 points while also corralling four steals. Thomas tallied a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds to go with four assists and three steals.

Joining them in double figures were guard Morgan Browning with 12 points, Boyett with 10 points and three steals and center Sinetra Jones with 10 points and seven rebounds.

UAFS forced 13 turnovers and had 14 steals, leading to a 25-16 edge in points off turnovers. The Lions also doubled the Buffs in points in the paint, 44-22.

Next up for the Lions is a matchup at 1 p.m. Saturday against Lubbock Christian.