(PHOTO: UAFS Sports Information)
FORT SMITH – Senior guard DaVaunta Thomas set career-highs in scoring and rebounding on Saturday night, leading the No. 17 UAFS Lions to a 104-95 nonconference win against the Pittsburg State Gorillas at the Stubblefield Center.
UAFS (4-0) remained undefeated in handing Pittsburg State (3-1) its first loss. It was the second game of a six-game home stand for the Lions, who will host the John Brown Golden Eagles at 6 p.m. on Monday.
It will be the second meeting of the season between UAFS and John Brown, which lost 104-71 to the Lions in the preseason “Ballin’ for a Benefit” exhibition game at the Stubblefield Center on Saturday, Oct. 28.
UAFS shot a sizzling 59 percent from the field (31 of 53) – it was 12-of-21 shooting from 3-point range – and shot 70 percent from the free-throw line (30 of 43). Six Lions scored in double-figures, including all five starters.
Thomas scorched the nets for 27 points, senior guard Ladarius Coleman had 17, senior forward Brett Jolly 14, senior Darrion Strong-Moore 13, sophomore guard Kyree Elder 13 and junior guard Chris Crawford 10.
UAFS out-rebounded Pittsburg State by seven rebounds (41-34). Thomas topped off his impressive double-double with 14 rebounds.
Pittsburg State shot just 41 percent from the field (28 of 69) – it was 13-of-32 shooting from 3-point range – and shot 77 percent from the free-throw line (26 of 34). Five players scored in double-figures, including three starters.
Forward Xavier Adams had 23 points, guard Jaxon Holden had 18, guard Donovan Franklin 17, guard Jabari Antwine 15 and forward Demetrius Levarity 11.
Adams just missed a double-double, finishing with a team-high eight rebounds.
MEN
NO. 17 UAFS 104, PITTSBURG STATE 95
Pittsburg State 43 52 95
UAFS 55 49 104
Pittsburg State (3-1): Adams 23, Holden 18, Franklin 17, Antwine 15, Levarity 11, Jones 3, Jackson 3, Lozoya 3, Cole Jr. 2
UAFS (4-0): Thomas 27, Coleman 17, Jolly 14, Strong-Moore 13, Elder 13, Crawford 10, Hawley 7, Glapion 2, Rivera 1

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