RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Haleigh Jackson led three Lions in double figures with 15 points but University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women's Basketball dropped its season opener, 78-64, Monday at Arkansas Tech.
Kylah Pearcy and Ahnica Russell-Brown added 11 and 10 points, respectively, in their UAFS debuts. Pearcy also had seven rebounds and four assists.
Russell-Brown hit a three to give UAFS an early 6-4 lead but the Golden Suns then went on a 10-0 run, forcing the Lions to play catch up the rest of the game.
UAFS trimmed a 21-point first half deficit down to 10 late in the fourth quarter but could not get any closer.
The Lions shot 39.7 percent from the floor but were outscored 48-34 in points in the paint and 19-4 in second chance points despite winning the rebounding battle. The Lions had 26 turnovers to just 15 for Arkansas Tech.
Marie Rose Priscilla Wemba pulled down a game high 12 boards for the Lions to go with two blocks.
UAFS is back in action at 5:30 p.m. Friday against UA-Monticello to tip off the MIAA/GAC Challenge at the Stubblefield Center.
