Box Score

San Francisco, Calif. (11/13/08) -- Academy of Art University women's basketball opened up its historic season with a loss to William Jessup University, 58-66, on Thursday night at Kezar Pavilion. Junior guard Jacqui Heck posted 17 points and nine rebounds while junior point guard Sondra Stilwell added 14 points and seven steals.

Despite falling into a 0-5 score to begin the game, Academy of Art University responded with a 12-0 run in which junior guard Caprice Hall knocked down two 3-pointers and had a lay-up. The Urban Knights held on to the lead until the first half's 4:37 mark. The teams would have been tied at the half, but a critical third foul was called on senior forward Levalasi Key in the final 17 seconds and William Jessup University took a 27-25 lead into halftime.

Although the score was close at the half, the difference in the game turned out to be the fact that the Warriors shot 36 free throws (25 in the second half). Both teams jockeyed for position in the first four minutes of the second period with Hall and freshman guard Vanessa Wilkins eventually scoring back-to-back fast-break layups to tie the contest at 32. The Urban Knights tied the score five times in the half, but could never assume the lead because William Jessup University hit its free throws down the stretch.

On the Warriors' side, Rebekah Calvert finished with a game-high 20 points (8-for-8 FT) and six rebounds. She was supported by Rachelle Russell and Lindsey Cesena who scored 12 and 10 points respectively.

Academy of Art University will officially open its season on the road versus Sonoma State on Saturday (11/15/08) in Rohnert Park, CA. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM.