FORT SMITH, Ark. — Missouri Southern State fell to the University of Arkansas Fort-Smith, 73-63, in a Mid-America Intercollegiate game at Stubblefield Center. The Lions held a narrow advantage at halftime, but the hosts surged in the fourth quarter, outscoring the visitors 26-15 to secure the win. Missouri Southern capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 26 points, while Ark. Fort-Smith's bench contributed 28 points to the victory.
The Lions hold a 9-4 overall record and are 3-1 in Mid-America Intercollegiate play. Ark. Fort-Smith has a 2-11 overall record and is 1-3 in the Mid-America Intercollegiate conference.
Nariah Clay scored 16 points, hitting four 3-pointers and collecting five rebounds.
Grace Frazier also contributed 16 points, including two 3-pointers, and added three rebounds.
Makenna Yokley recorded seven points and three steals while grabbing six rebounds.
Ashlyn Alloway posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, converting six of seven free throws and adding two steals.
Missouri Southern started the first quarter by gaining an early advantage with Frazier's layup, setting the tone for a competitive opening. The team capitalized on scoring opportunities in the paint, with Frazier adding another layup and Clay hitting a key three-pointer to reclaim the lead. The Lions' defensive efforts, including four offensive rebounds, effectively limited second-chance points for Arkansas Fort-Smith.
Arkansas Fort-Smith kept the game close, reducing the deficit to one point multiple times. However, the Lions maintained their lead, aided by
Lilly Thomas' crucial layup and assist from Alloway in the final minute. The quarter concluded with Southern ahead, 16–13.
The Lions opened the second quarter with a balanced attack, highlighted by Alloway's layup at 8:05 to regain a narrow lead. The team capitalized on defensive rebounds and a key three-pointer from Clay at 4:03 to extend their advantage temporarily. Frazier added another three-pointer at 2:47, allowing Southern to maintain their edge despite Ark. Fort-Smith's efforts to close the gap.
Ark. Fort-Smith responded with consistent offensive pressure, including a late three-pointer by Senese Rainey with just three seconds remaining, which brought them within two points. MSSU concluded the quarter with a slight lead, 28-26, as the teams prepared for a competitive second half.
The Lions began the third quarter with a quick steal by Yokley, leading to a fast-break jumper by Frazier. She then extended the lead with a three-pointer, assisted by Alloway. Southern capitalized on turnovers, with Yokley securing another steal, which set up a critical play with
Delaney Roller hitting a three-pointer off Clay's assist, keeping their momentum alive.
The Lions maintained their edge with Alloway's strong presence in the paint, making key layups and free throws. Despite Arkansas Fort-Smith's efforts to close the gap, including a late layup by Marie-Rose Priscilla Balowa Kasambu Babene Sha Wemba, Missouri Southern held firm. A late jumper by Yokley, assisted by
Camryn Smith, ensured the Lions kept a narrow lead. The quarter concluded with Missouri Southern leading 48-47.
The fourth quarter began with Southern matching Ark. Fort-Smith's intensity as Yokley sunk a three-pointer at 9:19, pushing the visitors ahead briefly.
Nicole Lillard contributed by making two free throws, keeping the score tight early in the quarter. Despite Frazier's defensive efforts, including a steal, the Lions faced challenges in maintaining momentum.
Ark. Fort-Smith capitalized on their opportunities, particularly from the free-throw line, converting 15 of 16 attempts. The Lions struggled offensively, connecting on only 2 of 12 field-goal attempts, which included a three-pointer by Clay late in the quarter. The quarter concluded with MSSU trailing, as Ark. Fort-Smith extended their lead to 73-63 by the final buzzer.
