FORT SMITH, Ark. – Guard Lian Ramiro scored a season-high 20 points but University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball was unable to defeat Lubbock Christian Saturday, as the Lions fell, 73-69, to the Chaparrals at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions grabbed a 56-55 lead on a Ramiro three with 9:31 left, but the Chaps drained a three to retake the lead two possessions later. The Lions got back to within one multiple times, including 69-68 with 2:13 remaining after a three-point play by guard Cameron Bush.

Neither team scored for the next two minutes, and the Lions had a chance to take the lead with 30 seconds left but turned the ball over leading to a layup for LCU. The Lions went 1-for-2 at the line on the next possession before the Chaps closed out the game with a pair of free throws.

UAFS led for over 25 minutes of the game, which featured three ties and eight lead changes.

LCU forced 14 Lion turnovers, leading to a 19-8 edge in points off turnovers for the Chaps. LCU had a 22-6 advantage in fast break points, as well.

Ramiro shot 7-for-11 from the floor and 3-for-4 from beyond the arc and added four rebounds. Bush tallied 15 points and four boards, while forward Ryan Maxwell contributed 12 points and seven rebounds. Guard Payton Brown notched 10 points.

Forward Furaha Cadeaux de Dieu pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.

The Lions finished shooting 54.2 percent from the floor to 43.4 percent for LCU, but turnovers and free throws were too much to overcome.

UAFS is back on the road next week to continue conference play at Angelo State Thursday at 7:30 p.m.