The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Lions finished their inaugural season of NCAA Division II play in strong fashion on Saturday afternoon, beating Heartland Conference foe St. Mary’s 81-65 at the Stubblefield Center.
UA Fort Smith (9-18) split its season against St. Mary’s (15-12). The Lions, who won six of their final eight games, went 8-10 against conference foes despite not being eligible to compete for the league title because of its NCAA Division II provisional status.
The Lions shot 55 percent from the field for the game (29 of 53) and 48 percent from 3-point range (11 of 23). Junior guard Josh Simmons hit four 3-pointers on his way to a team-high 17 points, and junior guard Aaron McHenry sank three treys on his way to 14 points.
Junior guard LaDustin Williams added 13 points, while freshman guard Jalynn Mitchell and freshman center Dean Neville added 10 points apiece.
UA Fort Smith shot a blistering 65 percent from the field (17 of 26) and 58 percent from 3-point range (7 of 12) in the first half while building a comfortable 13-point lead (42-29). The Lions were never threatened in the second half, pulling away down the stretch.
St. Mary’s shot 42 percent from the field (22 of 53) and just 25 percent from 3-point range (3 of 12) and committed 17 turnovers.
Kevin Kotzur led the Rattlers with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Darren Lee and Brad Hubenak chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds, respectively.