FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball struggled offensively in the first half in a 72-53 setback to Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions shot just 12.5 percent in the first 20 minutes as the Javelinas led 34-9 at halftime.

UAFS fared better on the offensive end in the second half, scoring 44 points on 56.0 percent shooting. The Lions scored the first six points of the second half and opened on a 15-4 run over the first six minutes to trim the deficit to 38-24.

After the Javelinas held the Lions at bay for the next six minutes, the Lions continued to chip away to get within 52-41 with 6:42 remaining. UAFS would cut the lead to 11 multiple times but could never get within single digits.

Guard Payton Brown scored a team-high 16 points for the Lions while both guard Cameron Bush and forward Jaxon Ingram each scored 12. Ingram finished with a double-double by adding 12 rebounds. Bush had a team-high four assists.

Texas A&M-Kingsville outscored the Lions 18-3 in points off turnovers and 35-5 in bench points. The Lions had a 22-14 edge in points in the paint.

UAFS is back in action Monday at the Stubblefield Center at 7:30 p.m. against Texas A&M International.