FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball saw a late lead slip away in a 61-60 defeat to UT Tyler Thursday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

A three by forward Ryan Maxwell gave the Lions a 47-40 lead with 12:03 remaining, but the Patriots slowly chipped away to tie the game at 54 with just under six minutes left.

Trailing 58-56 with 1:52 left, guard Roland McCoy buried a triple from the right wing to put the Lions ahead, 59-58. UT Tyler then tied the game with a free throw on the ensuing possession.

With 26 seconds left, McCoy split a pair of free throws to give the Lions a 60-59 advantage. However, the Patriots took the lead on a layup with seven seconds left, and the Lions were unable to get a shot off at the buzzer.

 McCoy led the Lions with 14 points, while Maxwell chipped in with 10 points. Guards Tyler Frederick, Payton Brown and Kobe Campbell all finished with nine points. Guard Cameron Bush had a team-high nine rebounds and forward Furaha Cadeaux de Dieu pulled down seven boards.

UAFS shot 50.0 percent from three, but struggled at the line, going just 11-for-21. UT Tyler had a 13-4 edge in fast break points.

Next up for the Lions is a matchup against No. 5 Dallas Baptist at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Stubblefield Center.