FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball sits atop the MIAA standings as the Lions defeated Northeastern State, 72-64, in its MIAA debut Tuesday at the Stubblefield Center.

Leading 55-53 early in the fourth quarter, guard Morgan Browning scored five straight points as the Lions went on a 10-0 run to break the game open and lead by a dozen. Browning led the Lions with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting.

The RiverHawks trimmed the deficit to four with just over a minute left, but the Lions held NSU scoreless on their final four possessions.

NSU led 12-7 midway through the first quarter before the Lions went on a 9-2 burst to grab a 16-14 lead. NSU then led 18-17 after 10 minutes, but the Lions shot 66.7 percent in the first half as the teams went into the break tied at 37.

UAFS finished the game shooting 54.9 percent while holding the RiverHawks to 38.1 percent. The Lions dished out 17 assists on 28 made field goals.

Guard Anna Trusty finished with 14 points for the Lions while forward Sinetra Jones tallied 11 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.

UAFS next hosts Newman at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Stubblefield Center to continue MIAA action.