FORT SMITH, Ark. -- UT Tyler produced three double-figure scorers, but University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS) knocked down 10 three-pointers and forced 29 turnovers in an 89-61 victory over the Patriots Thursday night.
Tyreesha Blaylock and Kelsey Crouse scored 15 points each to lead UT Tyler, and Blaylock also pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds to post her first career double-double.
Arkansas-Fort Smith rallied from an early first-quarter deficit and pulled away for good in the middle quarters. The Lions led by a 48-30 margin at halftime and extended the lead to 74-41 after three quarters.
After the loss, UT Tyler fell to 3-22 overall and 1-20 in Lone Star Conference play heading into Saturday's season finale at Oklahoma Christian. UAFS improved to 13-14 overall and 10-11 in LSC play.
How It Happened: Tyreesha Blaylock scored UT Tyler's first five points in the game, sparking the Patriots to an early 7-4 lead, but UAFS scored 13 of the next 17 points to take a 17-11 lead with 4:14 left in the opening quarter. The Lions produced a 26-12 scoring edge in the second quarter to extend the lead into a 48-30 halftime edge.
In the third quarter, UAFS went for another 26 points in the third quarter, extending the lead to 74-41 after the Lions scored 19 points off turnovers in the third quarter. Kelsey Crouse scored nine of UT Tyler's 20 points in the fourth quarter, trimming the final margin to 89-61 after the Patriots generated a 20-15 fourth-quarter scoring edge.
UT Tyler Standouts: Tyreesha Blaylock shared the team scoring lead with Kelsey Crouse, scoring 15 points each while Blaylock added a career-high 11 rebounds to record her first career double-double. Blaylock was in double figures for the fourth straight game and ninth time this season. Beezy Birchette added 11 points and 7 rebounds.
UAFS Standouts: Hannah Boyett sank six three-pointers to lead UAFS with an 18-point performance. She was one of five Lions who scored in double figures, as Leiloni Culley scored 13 points while Tamera Gulley, Mar'Shalia Lollie, and Dachelle Terry scored 12 points each. Lollie was the leading rebounder for UAFS with 8, and Alexsis Brown dished out a game-high 9 assists.
By The Numbers: Both teams shot at least 40 percent from the field, but UAFS shot 36 percent (10-for-28) from three-point range while UT Tyler hit 15 percent (3-of-20) three-pointers… The Patriots claimed a 39-38 edge in rebounds, grabbing 15 offensive boards… UAFS collected 17 steals and forced 29 turnovers, which led to a 38-9 advantage in points off turnovers… The Lions also held edges in second chances (17-12), fast break points (20-11), and points in the paint (36-30).
What's Next: UT Tyler wraps up the 2019-20 season with a Saturday, Feb. 29 visit to Oklahoma Christian.
