LAREDO, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball couldn't hold on to a halftime lead as the Lions fell at Texas A&M International, 63-56, Thursday in Lone Star Conference action.

The Lions drained eight threes in the first half and shot 45.1 percent, but slipped to 29.6 percent in the second half.

A layup by center Sinetra Jones put the Lions up, 53-51, with 5:42 remaining, but the Lions mustered just one field goal the rest of the way as the Dustdevils closed the game on a 12-3 run.

UAFS had its largest lead of the game at 40-33 after a layup by guard Morgan Browning, only to see the Dustdevils answer with a 9-0 run.

In the first quarter, a three by guard Abby Summitt put the Lions ahead, 17-11. UAFS then led 20-15 after the first 10 minutes. TAMIU then started the second quarter on a 10-0 run, but back-to-back threes by guard Hannah Boyett and a fast break layup by guard Maiya Reed sparked an 8-0 run to put the Lions back on top.

Browning led the Lions with 14 points while guard Riley Hayes added nine points from beyond the arc. Guard Baylee Fincher totaled seven points, eight rebounds and five assists.

TAMIU won the rebounding battle, 36-27, with 13 offensive rebounds leading to a 15-6 edge in second chance points. The Dustdevils lived at the free throw line, going 21-for-24 while the Lions were just 2-for-6.

The Lions continue the road trip Saturday at Texas A&M-Kingsville with a 1 p.m. tipoff.