FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball ended the game on a 9-2 run as the Lions grinded out a 60-57 win over Texas A&M International Saturday in the Hampton Inn Classic.

Trailing 55-51 with 4:50 left in the fourth, the Lions clamped down on defense. A layup by guard Olivia Johnson and free throws by guard Telisha Brown tied the game before a layup by forward Layne Kirkendoll gave the Lions a 57-55 lead with 1:57 left.

The Dustdevils tied it up on the next possession before guard Hannah Boyett converted a layup with 1:17 left. The Lions defense then came up with four stops in the final minute to seal the win.

Boyett gave the Lions a 10-0 lead in the opening minutes by draining three triples and converting an and-one opportunity. She led the Lions with 15 points and was 4-for-8 from behind the arc.

The Lions then led 25-20 with 6:22 remaining in the first half, but were held scoreless the remainder of the half and trailed at the break, 29-25. They then clawed their way to a 42-41 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Guard Morgan Browning added nine points while guard Jordan Gregory tallied eight points off the bench. Johnson recorded six points and six rebounds, while forward Sinetra Jones also pulled down six boards. Kirkendoll led the Lions with eight rebounds.

Guard Zyniah Thomas contributed seven points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

The Lions will wrap up the Classic Sunday at 3 p.m. against Southwest Baptist.