TYLER, Texas – A cold-shooting first half was too much to overcome as University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball suffered a 70-60 setback at UT Tyler Saturday afternoon. 

The Lions shot just 25.9 percent in the first 20 minutes while seeing the Patriots connect on seven threes in the second quarter. UT Tyler led 40-21 at the break. 

Despite trailing by 23 after the third quarter, the Lions kept battling, outscoring the Patriots, 24-11, in the final frame. UAFS went 13-for-16 from the free throw line in the fourth. 

UAFS used a 7-0 run to pull within 62-51 with 4:28 left, but four straight points by the Patriots stalled the Lions' momentum.

Forward Kayla Brundidge led the Lions' offense with 13 points and five rebounds, while guard Maiya Reed contributed 12 points off the bench. Reed was 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Guard Riley Hayes added nine points, five rebounds and three steals while guard Hannah Boyett had seven points and four assists. 

UAFS returns home to the Stubblefield Center January 11 to face Texas A&M-Kingsville at 5:30 p.m.