FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball never trailed as the Lions took down Western New Mexico, 70-56, Thursday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

Guard Drew Miller buried a triple from the top of the key on the opening possession for the first points of the game for the Lions. After the Mustangs tied it with a three of their own, the Lions regained the lead on a three by guard Evan Anderson.

The game featured two more ties early in the first half until a three by forward Connor Slater gave the Lions a lead they would never relinquish.

UAFS closed the first half on a 7-2 run over the final 4:39, leading 38-28 after the first 20 minutes.

The Lions then scored the first six points of the second half, giving the Lions their largest lead of the game at 16 points, which they would match later in the half.

Western New Mexico used a 10-4 run to cut the lead to 63-55 with 3:37 left, but three Lion free throws and a layup by forward Jaxon Ingram brought the lead back to 13, ending any last chance the Mustangs had.

Guard Payton Brown led three Lions in double figures with 14 points, going 6-for-6 at the foul line. Forward David Ekezie added 13 points and five rebounds, while Ingram tallied 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting off the bench.

Guard Cameron Bush scored nine points with Anderson chipping in eight. Miller had a team-high four assists.

UAFS had a 14-6 edge in points off turnovers, and outrebounded WNMU, 32-24.

UAFS next plays Eastern New Mexico at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Stubblefield Center.