AUSTIN – Four players scored in double figures but University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball was unable to take down Lone Star Conference East Division leader St. Edward's, as the Lions fell, 81-77, Thursday.

Guard Payton Brown led all scorers with 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting as the Lions shot 51.7 percent from the floor. UAFS was 6-for-7 from three in the first half and finished at 57.1 percent from beyond the arc.

However, the Hilltoppers connected on 13 triples and shot 54.7 percent for the game.

St. Edward's raced out to a seven-point lead early, but the Lions fought back to tie the game at 25-25 with 9:55 left in the first half on a three by guard Drew Miller. Miller finished 4-for-4 from beyond the arc, all in the first half.

The Hilltoppers then led by nine before Miller and Brown closed the half with back-to-back threes, as the Hilltoppers led 40-37 at the break.

UAFS continued to hang around in the second half but were unable to ever grab the lead. The Lions pulled within 59-57 with 7:44 left only to see SEU hit back-to-back threes.

The Lions got within two multiple times in the final minute but the Hilltoppers went 4-for-4 from the line.

Guard Cameron Bush had another all-around game, scoring 17 points to go with seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. Guard Evan Anderson added 14 points and five rebounds while Miller had 12.

UAFS forced 12 SEU turnovers as the Lions had a 15-6 edge in points off turnovers.

The Lions play their final regular season road game Saturday at St. Mary's at 3 p.m.