PITTSBURG, Kan. – No. 17 University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball rallied from a 12-point first half deficit as the Lions earned a 76-71 win at Pittsburg State Saturday.

Guard Kanaan Holder hit a three at the buzzer to end the first half and the Lions started the second half on a 14-0 run as the Lions quickly erased the deficit to take a 45-40 lead. Overall, the Lions went on a 25-5 run over eight minutes.

The Lions led by as many as 11 in the second half before the Gorillas trimmed the lead to 65-61 with just over five minutes remaining. UAFS then scored four straight points to lead by nine, but was held without a field goal the remainder of the game as the Gorillas cut it to one with 13 seconds left.

Guard Brandon Scott missed the front end of the one and one, but got his own rebound and then closed out the game by going 4-for-4 at the line. Scott led the Lions with 28 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and 10-of-11 from the line.

UAFS had scored the first six points of the game, but the Gorillas responded with a 9-0 run before leading 17-8.

The Lions shot 51.6 percent from the floor in the second half and outscored the Gorillas, 45-31. UAFS finished at 47.3 percent overall.

Guard Jarren McAllister continued his strong play with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting with five rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Guard Christian Moore added 12 points and five assists for the Lions.

UAFS returns home to the Stubblefield Center Thursday to host Nebraska-Kearney at 7:30 p.m.