FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball improved to 2-0 in MIAA action as the Lions grinded out a 61-54 win over Newman Saturday at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions trailed, 50-49, with 6:10 remaining when guard Zyniah Thomas put the Lions ahead for good with a layup. That started a 6-0 run, as guard Anna Trusty and Sinetra Jones also followed with baskets for a 55-50 advantage.

After a basket by the Jets, the Lions extended the lead to seven on layups by guard Jordan Gregory and Jones.

The game featured five ties and 10 lead changes in the first 35 minutes, with much of the game played within four points. UAFS held the largest lead of the game at eight points at 35-27 in the opening minutes of the third quarter.

However, the Jets then went on a 11-1 run over four minutes to take the lead back at 38-37.

Jones led the Lions with 16 points and eight rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting while Trusty put up another double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Thomas and guard Morgan Browning each tallied 12 points in the win.

The Lions outrebounded the Jets, 43-33, and held the Jets to just 4-of-27 from the three-point line. UAFS outscored the Jets, 38-28, in points in the paint.

UAFS will wrap up nonconference play December 21 at Ouachita Baptist.