FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Women's Basketball was unable to hold on to a second half lead as the Lions fell to visiting Emporia State, 77-71, Friday afternoon at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions started the game on a 9-0 run only to see the Hornets answer with 13 straight points. After Emporia led by as many as seven, the Lions cut the lead to one at 38-37 at halftime.

UAFS exited the break on a 7-0 run, taking a 44-38 lead and holding the Hornets scoreless for the first 5:10 of the quarter. Emporia briefly regained the lead at 52-50, but the Lions tied the game on a layup by guard Haleigh Jackson and then took the lead heading to the fourth on a free throw.

However, the Hornets shot 81.8 percent from the floor in the fourth quarter as they used a 10-4 run to take a 65-58 advantage with 5:08 left. The Lions got back within four multiple times but could not get within one possession.

Guard Telisha Brown led the Lions with 17 points while guard Keytonna Ross had 14 points and seven rebounds. Jackson added nine points for the Lions while forward Marie Rose Priscilla Wemba had eight points and seven boards.

The Lions had a 15-9 edge in points off turnovers and 25-10 advantage in second chance points after pulling down 19 offensive rebounds. The Lions totaled 36 points in the paint.

UAFS will next look for the season sweep of Missouri Southern as the Lions visit Joplin on January 28 at 5:30 p.m.