FORT SMITH, Ark. – Guard Terrell Williams Jr. posted a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball was unable to replicate its second half success from earlier in the year in an 84-81 defeat to Northeastern State in its MIAA opener Tuesday at the Stubblefield Center.

Despite trailing the entire game, the Lions had numerous opportunities in the second half to take the lead.

The Lions cut the lead to 72-69 with 4:49 left, but the RiverHawks had an answer for every time the Lions got within one possession. Forward Isaiah Lewis made it a one-point game at 76-75 with 2:15 remaining but the NSU scored a layup to go back up by three.

Twice more the Lions were within one on free throws by guard Elijah Wilson but were never able to get over the hump. NSU missed a one-and-one in the final seconds, but the Lions were unable to connect on the game-tying triple.

Williams finished 8-for-11 from the field and 6-for-6 from the line while Lewis tallied 21 points and seven boards on 10-of-13 shooting. Wilson added 10 points while forward D'Ante Bell finished with 13 points and six boards off the bench.

Both teams shot over 50 percent from the floor, with the Lions shooting 52.5 percent and the RiverHawks 54.2 percent.

UAFS won the rebounding battle, 37-21, and had eight second chance points to none for NSU. The Lions scored 54 of their 81 points in the paint.

The Lions will look for their first MIAA win Saturday when Newman visits the Stubblefield Center for a 3 p.m. tipoff.