Box Score FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Newman women's basketball team held on for a 56-53 win at Arkansas-Fort Smith on Thursday (Feb. 20) at the Stubblefield Center. The Lady Jets improved to 15-10 and 12-7 in the Heartland Conference.
 
With the Lady Jets up 55-53 with 5 seconds remaining, NU forced a Lady Lion turnover with 2 seconds left. Shekeira Copeland was fouled with 1 second remaining, and she hit 1-of-2 free throws for the final 56-53 score.
 
After trailing by one at 37-36 after a UAFS layup at the 11:09 mark, the Lady Jets responded to take control of the game. Two Alexandra Ciabattoni free throws and a Copeland layup put NU out in front 40-37 with 8:58 remaining. After two UAFS points, Copeland poured in another basket for a 42-39 advantage.
 
With NU up 42-40 at the 7:40 mark, the Lady Jets went on a 7-2 run to open up a 49-42 lead with 5:53 left. Copeland added another basket, and Brianna Caldwell hit a 3-pointer. Two free throws from Chynna Ramelb put NU up 49-42.
 
The Lady Lions cut the deficit to 51-48 at 3:45 with a free throw, but Ciabattoni pushed the lead back to five at 53-48 with a layup at 2:19. With 1:27 left, Copeland hit two free throws for a 55-49 advantage.
 
UAFS made back-to-back baskets to pull to within two at 55-53 with 37 seconds remaining. A missed layup with 12 seconds left by the Lady Jets gave UAFS a chance, but NU forced a turnover.
 
Copeland scored a game-high 18 points and added five rebounds and one block. Ciabattoni totaled a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Also in double figures was Brianna Caldwell with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting from 3-point range. Cierra Tjaden dished out a game-high eight assists.
 
The Lady Jets return to Wichita for its regular season finale on Feb. 27. NU takes on Oklahoma Christian at 5:30 p.m. in its Senior Night.