FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball used a dominant third quarter to dispatch visiting Western New Mexico Thursday, defeating the Mustangs, 74-52, at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions shot 58.8 percent in the third, outscoring the Mustangs, 27-10. UAFS had eight of its 12 assists in the quarter and held WNMU to 25.0 percent shooting.

UAFS had a 35-26 lead at the break, closing the first half on a 10-1 run over the final 5:51. UAFS held the Mustangs to 15.4 percent in the second quarter after allowing them to shoot 61.5 percent in the first 10 minutes.

The Lions really broke the game open by using a 24-3 run in the third, with guard Riley Hayes connecting on three triples in four possessions. UAFS scored on six straight possessions to end the run as it led 62-32.

The largest lead of the night for the Lions came in the fourth quarter, as a layup by guard Sydney Nunley put them up 31. UAFS shot 44.4 percent for the game and 43.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Guard Aaliyah Prince paced a balanced attack, scoring 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting to pair with five rebounds and three assists. Guard Hannah Boyett tallied 16 points and six rebounds, while Hayes added 11 points. Forward Kayla Brundidge chipped in with eight points. All nine players that scored had at least four points.

UAFS won the battle of the boards, 48-37, and outscored the Mustangs in the paint, 38-26.

Next up for the Lions is a contest against Eastern New Mexico at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Stubblefield Center.