Taylor Hodges, Sports Information Director

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – The Lions basketball team (3-13, 1-7 AMC) erased a four-point deficit with just 47 seconds remaining on Tuesday against Williams Baptist (6-7, 3-5 AMC) to force overtime, but fell short 78-71 after the extra five minutes.

It was a strong first half for the visitors, shooting 40 percent from the field and knocking down six shots from deep to take a six-point lead into the locker room after the opening 20 minutes.

The Lions extended their lead to eight early in the second half, but the Eagles would claw their way back, taking the lead by two with just under 14 minutes remaining, and they wouldn't relinquish that lead until Francis Agbata tied the game at 66 apiece.

Agbata had a chance to give the Lions a one-point lead with just five seconds remaining after a foul by Williams Baptist's Briheam Anthony committed a foul, putting the Lions in the one-and-one bonus, but he was unable to knock down the first attempt, sending the game to extra time.

Freed-Hardeman would lead by one with 2:39 remaining in overtime after Jalen Thompson made one of his two free throws, but the Eagles would go on an 8-0 run to close out the game and earn the win.

Thompson led the way for the Lions with 21 points, and Agbata finished the contest 12 points and 11 rebounds, his second double-double in the three-game road trip.

Kortland Martin added 14 points, closing out the double-digit scorers for the visitors.

The Lions return home on Thursday when they take on Park University at 7:30 p.m.