LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball pulled within two in the final minutes against Ouachita Baptist Saturday, but was unable to complete the double-digit comeback in an 81-76 defeat to the Tigers.

The Lions trailed by as many as 17 in the first half before closing the first 20 minutes on an 11-3 run to make it 37-29 at the intermission.

UAFS was unable to make up much ground throughout the second half until the final minutes, when they used a 14-5 spurt over a minute and a half to pull within 78-76 with 17 seconds left.

After the Tigers made one of two free throws, the Lions had an open look at a game-tying three that rimmed out. The Tigers then made two free throws for the final margin.

Guard Terrell Williams Jr. led all scorers with 28 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including knocking down four triples. He went 6-for-7 from the free throw line. Guard Jarren McAllister added 11 points.

The Lions pulled down 61 rebounds, tied for the third most in a game in program history. UAFS had 26 second-chance points on 27 offensive rebounds. Guard Tommie Williams tallied 12 boards while forward Isaiah Lewis had 10. Both Williams Jr. and forward Jace Linenberger collected nine boards.

Turnovers were costly for the Lions, as they turned it over 17 times, leading to an 18-5 edge in points off turnovers for the Tigers. UAFS had a 44-22 edge in points in the paint, but the Tigers outscored the Lions 23-5 in fastbreak points.

UAFS will host its home opener at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday as the Lions take on University of the Ozarks at the Stubblefield Center for its annual Toy Toss game. The team will be signing its 2024-25 schedule posters following the game.