JOPLIN, Mo. – Guard Jarren McAllister scored a career-high 27 points but No. 17 University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball was unable to overcome a first-half deficit in an 86-81 setback at Missouri Southern on Thursday.

The Lions tallied the first point of the game before Missouri Southern went on an 11-0 run before it was snapped by a McAllister triple.

MSSU led by 18 at the half, as the Lions shot just 23.1 percent in the first 20 minutes. Missouri Southern then grew the lead to as many as 25 before UAFS started to chip away.

An 11-0 run cut the deficit to 64-51 with 6:36 remaining but the Lions were unable to get it to single digits as Missouri Southern led by 15 with just over two minutes to play.

UAFS made one final push, hitting a three with five seconds left to make it a one possession game at 84-81. However, Missouri Southern made both free throws on the ensuing possession to close out the game.

The Lions shot just 36.2 percent from the floor but went 14-for-35 from three for 40.0 percent. UAFS outscored MSSU 58-45 in the second half.

UAFS had a 27-13 edge in second chance points, but was outscored 38-20 in points in the paint.

McAllister finished 7-of-14 from the field, including 4-for-6 from beyond the arc and 9-of-11 at the line. He had a team-high nine rebounds, as well. Guards Christian Moore and Kanaan Holder each added 11 points for the Lions.

UAFS is back in action Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Pittsburg State.