FORT SMITH, Ark. — The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith shot 64 percent from the field in the first half and the Lions rode that early momentum to a 104-05 win over Pittsburg State University Saturday (Nov. 18) at the Stubblefield Center.

UAFS (4-0) handed Pitt State (3-1) its first loss of the season, while the Lions maintained their unbeaten status.

DaVaunta Thomas scored a game-high 27 points to pace all five UAFS starters in double figures. Ladarius Coleman added 17 points for the Lions, while Brett Jolly added 14 points. Darrion Strong-Moore and Kyree Elder chipped in with 13 apiece.

UAFS made 18 of 28 first-half shots to take a 55-43 lead at the break. The Lions expanded their margin to 25 points, at 82-57, with 12:08 to play in the contest, before the Gorillas rallied to get as close as seven points in the waning minutes.

Xavier Adams led Pitt State with 23 points and eight rebounds. Jaxon Holden added 18 points on the strength of 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range. Donovan Franklin (17), Jabari Antwine (15) and Demetrius Levarity (11) also scored in double figures for the Gorillas. Pitt State shot just 40.6 percent from the field in the contest (28-69). The Gorillas made 13 3-pointers and converted 26 of 34 attempts from the free throw line.

Pitt State will return to action Tuesday (Nov. 21) when the Gorillas travel to Kansas City, Mo., to meet Newman University in a neutral site match-up at Municipal Auditorium. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. (CST).