FORT SMITH - UAFS junior guard Lundon Williams came close to posting the program’s first triple-double in the program’s NCAA Division II era on Saturday but settled for a double-double on her way to lead the Lady Lions to a convincing 74-31 nonconference win against the John Brown Lady Golden Eagles at the Stubblefield Center.
The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Lady Lions (15-8) and was their final nonconference game of the season. It also was the first of three final home games for UAFS, which will host St. Edward’s on Saturday, Feb. 10, and Oklahoma Christian on Thursday, Feb. 22, in the regular-season finale.
Still, Williams’ double-double was a little unconventional and one for the record books. The former Greenwood Lady Bulldog scored 17 points and topped off her feat with a school-record 10 steals. She came within two assists of pulling off the rare triple-double, finishing with eight assists.
Williams was one of three Lady Lions to score in double-figures. Sophomore forward Tamera Gulley had 16 points, and junior forward Ellie Lehne had 12. UAFS shot 53 percent from the field (32 of 60) – it was 6-of-21 shooting from 3-point range – and shot 50 percent from the free-throw line (4 of 8).
UAFS out-rebounded John Brown (14-8) by seven rebounds (32-25). Sophomore guard Alexsis Brown led a balanced UAFS rebounding effort with six rebounds. The Lady Lions collected 12 offensive rebounds that led to 10 second-chance points.
It was an exhibition game for the Lady Golden Eagles, who compete in the NAIA’s Sooner Athletic Conference. John Brown shot only 32 percent from the field (12 of 38) – it was only 3-of-15 shooting from 3-point range – and shot just 57 percent from the free-throw line (4 of 7).
Guard Jordan Martin was the only Lady Golden Eagle to score in double-figures, finishing with 11 points. Four different players had a team-high four rebounds.
UAFS forced 29 turnovers that led to 34 points. The Lady Lions collected 21 steals, which is tied for fourth-most during the Lady Lions’ NCAA Division II era. Along with Williams, eight other Lady Lions had at least one steal.
WOMEN
UAFS 74, JOHN BROWN 31
John Brown 8 9 11 3 — 31
UAFS 12 14 21 27 — 74
John Brown (14-8): Martin 11, Orpo 9, Chandra 4, Skrastina 2, Teague 2, Fine 2, Fergen 1
UAFS (15-8): Williams 17, Gulley 16, Lehne 12, Elkins 9, A. Brown 6, Haynes 6, Taylor 6, D. Brown 2