FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball used a strong defensive effort to earn a 73-57 win over Missouri Southern Thursday night at the Stubblefield Center.

Missouri Southern (9-10, 4-6 MIAA) led for the first 15 minutes of the game before UAFS (8-11, 2-8 MIAA) took a 17-16 lead on a layup by guard Kobe Campbell. It was a lead the Lions would not relinquish, closing the half on a 7-0 run to lead 34-26 going into the locker room.

UAFS opened the second half with four consecutive threes, with two by guard Terrell Williams Jr. UAFS led by as many as 22 and was ahead by double figures the entire second half.

The Lions used a balanced attack offensively, with all 11 players scoring and nine scoring five or more points. Guard Roland McCoy led the Lions with 12 points while forward Isaiah Lewis added 11. Campbell finished with 10 points and Williams with nine.

UAFS shot 51.9 percent from the floor and 42.1 percent from three. The Lions shot 56.5 percent in the second half, where they were 7-for-10 from beyond the arc.

The Lions had fewer than 10 turnovers for the first time this season and had a 16-8 edge in points off turnovers. The Lions also outscored MSSU, 38-22, in points in the paint.

Next up for the Lions is a matchup against Pittsburg State at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Stubblefield Center.