JOPLIN, Mo. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball is still searching for its first MIAA win of the year after the Lions came up short at Missouri Southern, 89-80, Saturday afternoon.

Tied at 72 with just over five minutes left, Missouri Southern broke the tie with four straight points before the Lions got a putback from forward D'Ante Bell. However, MSSU then went up by eight with two minutes left with the Lions unable to make a comeback.

UAFS had taken a 63-62 lead with 8:27 remaining in a game that featured 10 ties and 10 lead changes.

The Lions jumped out to a 9-3 lead in the first five minutes only to see Missouri Southern go on a 13-0 run before guard VJ Reeves ended it with a triple. UAFS led by as many as six late in the half before going into the locker room tied at 39.

Reeves and guard Terrell Williams Jr. each led the Lions with 15 points while guard Roland McCoy added 12 points. UAFS converted 14 threes for the game and had a 13-9 edge in second chance points.

The Lions return home to the Stubblefield Center January 8 to host Rogers State at 7:30 p.m.