FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball struggled to get shots to fall in its home opener, as the Lions dropped at 60-45 decision to UA-Monticello Friday evening at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions shot just 27.3 percent from the floor and 14.8 percent from three.

UAFS scored off the opening tip for an early lead before going back-and-forth with the Blossoms when Marie Rose Priscilla Wemba put the Lions back ahead, 17-16, with a pair of free throws.

UAM regained the lead at the end of the first quarter before both teams went scoreless for the first 6:27 of the second quarter. After the Blossoms led by five, the Lions closed the half on an 8-1 run to take a 27-25 lead into the locker room.

But the Blossoms outscored the Lions, 17-6, in the third quarter as the Blossoms knocked down four threes while UAFS shot 15.4 percent. UAFS got back within four early in the fourth, but the Blossoms answered with a 15-4 run to put the game out of reach.

Telisha Brown was the lone Lion in double figures with 17 points, shooting 6-for-14 from the floor. Brown also added three steals. D'Ajha Horton added six points as 10 different Lions scored.

UAFS forced 21 turnovers and had a 20-3 edge in points off turnovers as well as an 11-4 advantage in second chance points.

The Lions continue the MIAA/GAC Challenge Saturday at 2 p.m. against Southern Arkansas at the Stubblefield Center.