AUSTIN – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball couldn't overcome a slow start in an 84-57 loss at St. Edward's Saturday.

The Lions were held to just five points on 13.3 percent shooting in the opening quarter and trailed 13-5, despite holding the Hilltoppers to 26.7 percent from the field.

St. Edward's broke the game open in the second quarter, scoring 26 points to take a 39-21 lead into the locker room. The Hilltoppers outscored the Lions by 10 points in both the second and third quarters.

UAFS continued to battle, shooting 47.4 percent in the fourth quarter and outscoring the Hilltoppers, 24-23. The Lions shot 3-for-5 from beyond the arc in the frame.

Guard Morgan Browning led the Lions with 15 points and eight rebounds on 6-of-10 shooting while guard Zyniah Thomas added 10 points. Guard Riley Hayes contributed nine points, four boards, three assists and three steals.

UAFS committed a season-high 29 turnovers, leading to a 33-19 edge in points off turnovers and 26-11 advantage in fast break points for the Hilltoppers.

The Lions will return home to begin a four-game homestand January 25 against Midwestern State.