FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball begins the 2025-26 campaign this weekend when the Lions play in the MIAA/GAC Challenge at Skiatook High School in Skiatook, Oklahoma.

The Lions will tip off the season Friday at 4 p.m. against Harding before taking on Ouachita Baptist at 2 p.m. Saturday. Both games will be streamed on the MIAA Network with live stats available at uafortsmithlions.com.

NOTES:

LAST SEASON: UAFS finished the 2024-25 season 12-16, 6-13 MIAA.

KEY RETURNERS: The Lions return six players from last year, led by guard VJ Reeves, who averaged 8.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Guards Jarren McAllister, Tyler Frederick and forward Jace Linenberger also return.

NEW FACES: UAFS added 12 players to the roster in the offseason, including nine transfers and three freshmen. Seven of the transfers have NCAA I experience.

SEASON OPENER: The Lions are 9-7 in season openers, including a 91-83 last season over Harding, whom the Lions open with once again.

SCOUTING HU: The Bisons went 22-10 a year ago with a GAC title and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Harding has 14 newcomers this year but are led by guard Keyln McBride, who averaged 14.6 points last season and shot 46.4 percent from three.

SCOUTING OBU: The Tigers went 22-8, 16-6 GAC in 2024-25 but lost their top five scorers from last season. Guards Gavin Snyder and PJ Neal are the leading returners after averaging just over four points per game last year.

THE SERIES: UAFS is 3-3 all-time versus Harding and 3-2 against Ouachita Baptist.

HEAD COACH: Zane Gibson is in his third year leading the Lion program, posting a record of 19-37 in his first two seasons.