SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball nearly rallied from an 11-point fourth quarter deficit Tuesday, but the comeback fell short in a 66-64 loss to Truman State in the Drury Thanksgiving Classic.

The Lions trailed 62-51 with 5:09 remaining when a layup by guard Haleigh Jackson pulled the Lions within 6-61 with just over a minute left. Three free throws by guard Jah'Mareah Linville then got the Lions within two at 66-64.

Linville had three of her four steals in the final minute, including one to give the Lions the ball with 16 second left. UAFS had a chance to tie or take the lead at the buzzer, but the final three came up short.

UAFS had its only lead of the game at 7-6 in the first quarter off a three by guard Abby Summitt.

Jackson led the Lions with 18 points and six rebounds while Senese Rainey added nine points, all from beyond the arc. Summitt finished with eight points while three others tallied seven points apiece. Mare Rose Priscilla Wemba pulled down a team-high seven boards.

UAFS forced 23 turnovers, leading to a 21-8 edge in points off turnovers and had 33 bench points. The Lions had a 32-24 edge in points in the paint, as well. The Lions outshot the Bulldogs, 40.0 percent to 33.9 percent, but TSU had a 13-point advantage at the free throw line.

The Lions play game two of the classic Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. against host Drury.