CLAREMORE, Okla. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball was unable to overcome a slow start as the Lions dropped a 58-54 decision at Rogers State on Wednesday.

The Hillcats started the game on a 9-0 run before the Lions clawed their way back within four late in the opening quarter. After Rogers State grew the lead back to 10 in the second quarter, UAFS used a 10-2 run to cut the lead to 25-25 with 1:17 left in the half.

UAFS once again got within a single possession in the third, but Rogers State answered right back, leading by as many as 13. The Lions made a final push in the fourth, scoring six straight points to get within five.

However, the Hillcats scored five straight to go back up by 10 before the Lions scored the final six points of the game for the final margin.

Guard Haleigh Jackson led the Lions with 12 points while forward Marie Rose Priscilla Wemba added 10 points and eight rebounds.

UAFS outshot Rogers State, 42.6 percent to 38.9 percent and made four more free throws, but the Hillcats connected on six more threes than the Lions. The Lions outscored the Hillcats in points in the paint, 28-16.

Next up for the Lions is a visit to Central Oklahoma at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.