FORT SMITH, Ark. – It didn’t take long for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Lady Lions to take control of Saturday’s Heartland Conference game against Lincoln University.
The Lady Lions reeled off a 10-0 run to start the game and never looked back on their way to an 80-64 homecoming win against the Blue Tigers at the Stubblefield Center.
UA Fort Smith (10-13) avenged its 68-57 loss to Lincoln (11-13) on Jan. 14 at Jefferson City, Mo. The Lady Lions improved to 8-6 against conference foes this season, although they are not eligible to compete for the league title because of their provisional NCAA Division II status.
Junior guard Vasha Sanders hit for 21 points to lead the Lady Lions, who shot 41 percent from the field (29 of 70). Sophomore post Monica Williams chipped in 14 points, and junior forward Monica Spearman added 10 points.
The Lady Lions held the Blue Tigers to 42 percent shooting from the field (23 of 55) and forced 20 turnovers. Sophomore guard Quenita Washington led the Blue Tigers with 22 points, and senior forward Stacey Smith chipped in 15 points.
UA Fort Smith held a commanding 46-29 lead at halftime behind a solid 50-percent shooting effort from the field (17 of 34) and extended its lead to as many as 22 points twice in the second half.
UA Fort Smith 95, Lincoln 61
MEN – Junior forward Chris Williams posted a double-double to help lead the Lions to their fourth consecutive win and a series sweep of the Blue Tigers.
UA Fort Smith (8-17) improved to 7-9 against conference foes.
Williams hit for 18 points and had 18 rebounds and was one of four Lions to score in double-figures. Junior guard Aaron McHenry led the Lions with 19 points, junior guard Josh Simmons added 17 and junior guard LaDustin Williams added 13 points.
The Lions, who led 46-29 a halftime, shot 50 percent from the field for the game (35 of 70) and shot 40 percent from 3-point range (9 of 22). McHenry was 4-of-9 shooting from deep to lead the Lions’ perimeter attack.
Chris Williams’ 18 rebounds – a career-high – helped the Lions out-rebound the Blue Tigers by a decisive 52-31 edge.
The Lions held the Blue Tigers to only 35 percent shooting from the field (23 of 66) and just 19 percent shooting from 3-point range (6 of 31).
Ryan Spearman led the Blue Tigers (4-21) with 19 points, while Darrius Gaters chipped in 11 and Lionel Booker added 10.
