FORT SMITH, Ark. – Guard Tommie Williams scored a career-high 23 points but University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball was unable to complete a late comeback against Rogers State, dropping a 79-76 decision Wednesday at the Stubblefield Center.

Williams finished 7-for-9 from the floor and 7-for-10 from the line while also adding eight rebounds and four assists. He scored 20 of his points in the second half.

The Lions held a 16-15 lead with 7:55 left in the first half but the Hillcats went on a 17-3 run over the next four minutes. Rogers State then led 38-25 at the half.

Williams and guard Elijah Wilson hit back-to-back threes to open the second half as the Lions quickly cut the deficit to seven. Rogers State then rebuilt their lead before the Lions began to chip away in the final 10 minutes.

UAFS got back within six with just under a minute to play and then cut it to four with 29 seconds left on a corner jumper by forward Isaiah Lewis. The Lions continued to battle, making it a one-point game at 77-76 with five seconds left on a pair of free throws by Williams.

Rogers State then made both free throws before the Lions' tying heave at the buzzer came up short.

Wilson joined Williams in double figures with 16 points while Lewis added nine. Guard Terrell Williams Jr. and forward D'Ante Bell each added eight points.

Next up for the Lions is a home contest Saturday at 3 p.m. against Central Oklahoma at the Stubblefield Center.