FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Midwestern State's Frances King converted a three-point play with 26 seconds to play to provide the difference in a 66-64 win over Arkansas-Fort Smith Friday night at Stubblefield Center.

It was just enough for the Mustangs to overcome a career performance by UAFS senior Paige Elston, who poured in 23 points.

"Credit to Elston for them. She was getting to the rim for them. Our defense needs to meet her further up the floor," MSU coach Christopher Reay said. "Our defense got down and really started to guard down the stretch."

Midwestern limited the Lions to one field over the final 7:13 which allowed the Mustangs to build a six-point at 61-55 after King hit a pair of free throws with 3:32 to play.

But freshman Nya Stewart converted a three-point play with 2:39 to go before Elston hit four consecutive free throws as UAFS recovered to take a 62-61 lead with 1:13 to play.

The teams exchanged the lead over the next two possessions with Morgan Lenahan connected on a pair of charity tosses for the Mustangs before Elston buried two more free throws as the Lions led 64-63 with 53 seconds to go.

Midwestern State overcame consecutive turnovers as Elston stumbled on her way to an open layup before King converted the clutch three-point play.

"The girls stuck to it," Reay said. "We dug a deep hole in the second quarter and clawed our way back. We really need to put a team away."

King finished the game with a perfect 8-of-8 showing at the free throw line to book 15 points while dishing out six assists, while Lenahan added 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting with five rebounds.

Sophomore Eternity Jackson matched a career high with nine points on the strength of three 3-pointers, while sophomore Markayla Johnson also equaled a career best with eight points.

Midwestern State faces UT Tyler in a non-conference game Monday afternoon at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.