LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball used a second-half surge to defeat Harding, 91-83, Friday in the season opener for both teams.

Leading 56-54 with 14:37 remaining, the Lions went on an 11-1 run over the next two minutes, with guard Elijah Wilson leading the charge with seven points. The Lions grew the lead to as many as 15 in the second half and led by double digits until the final two minutes.

UAFS led for over 35 minutes of game time, taking a 23-21 lead at the 7:46 mark of the first half on a three by guard Payton Brown and never trailing again. The first 12-plus minutes of the game featured five ties and 14 lead changes.

The Lions had five players score in double figures, led by guard Terrell Williams Jr. with 19 points off the bench on 8-of-12 shooting. Four of the five in double figures played as reserves, as the Lions scored 57 bench points. Guard VJ Reeves added 15 points while guard Jarren McAllister tallied 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Forward Jace Linenberger added 10 points and Wilson scored 11.

UAFS finished at 52.6 percent shooting from the floor and 43.8 percent from beyond the arc. The Lions went 24-of-32 from the free throw line.

The Lions wrap up the weekend at 6 p.m. Saturday against Ouachita Baptist at Little Rock Christian Academy.