FORT SMITH - UAFS men’s basketball has recorded a second win in a row during a single-game weekend as the Lions defeated Oklahoma Christian by a comfortable 26-point margin (78-52). Senior guard Brian Halums and junior guard Matthew Wilson combined for 51 points to power the Lions’ dynamic offense in this game. UAFS is now 9-11 on the season and 5-9 in conference play.
“We were really pleased with our defensive effort, and our offensive execution,” said UAFS men’s basketball head coach Jim Boone. “I felt like we were able defensively to not ever allow them to settle in or get comfortable. We may look a little awkward at times, we’re not always pretty, but we have grit, and I love the competitive heart we bring to the floor.”
Offensively, the Lions scored 78 points on 45 percent shooting from the field, 46.4 percent shooting from the three point line and 73.3 percent from the free throw line. The Lions were led in scoring by Brian Halums who scored 30 points on an outstanding 50 percent shooting from the field (10-20) while also shooting 90 percent from the free throw line. Matthew Wilson added 21 points including four consecutive three-pointer to close-out the game. Freshman point guard Evan Anderson added 12 points, shooting 4-7 from the three point line. The Lions also recorded 18 assists, led by Charles Botchway with a season-high 13 assists.
Defensively, the Lions held the Eagles to 52 points in this game on 35.6 percent shooting from the field, 18.2 percent from beyond the arc and 100 percent from the charity stripe. The Lions also out-rebounded the Eagles with 37 rebounds, 12 offensive and 25 defensive. UAFS was led in rebounding by Halums (8) while Chris Rollins and Charles Botchway added seven rebounds each. The Lions also forced 13 turnovers from their opponents while committing only eight. UAFS scored 19 points off turnovers and also recorded eight steals, led by Anderson (2) and Halums (2).
UAFS men’s basketball team is now getting ready for next week’s road trip to New Mexico as the Lions take on Western New Mexico at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in Silver City, N.M. Live stats and live video broadcast along with the game notes will be available for this game at uafortsmithlions.com.