UAFS Lions Upset No. 1 Washburn in Overtime Thriller
STAFF REPORT
FORT SMITH, Ark. — The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS) Lions pulled off a historic victory Tuesday night, taking down the top-ranked Washburn Ichabods 87-80 in a thrilling overtime battle at Gayle Kaundart Arena.
The Lions, who had never beaten Washburn in program history, overcame a four-point halftime deficit and delivered a dominant overtime performance to seal the win.Washburn held a 40-36 lead at the break and maintained control for much of the second half.
However, UAFS fought back to tie the game at the end of regulation, outscoring the Ichabods 37-33 in the final 20 minutes. In overtime, the Lions surged ahead with a 14-7 advantage, securing the upset and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The victory was particularly significant as it handed Washburn its first loss of the season, snapping the Ichabods’ 22-game winning streak.
With momentum on their side, the Lions now turn their attention to their next matchup against the University of Central Missouri on February 15.
