Box Score

Bellingham, WA – Inside Sam Carver Gym on Sunday afternoon, the Urban Knights took a tough defeat as Western Washington University came back to win 84-80. Academy of Art scored 53 points in the first half, the most in program history for a single period, and shot a blistering 71.9 percent from the floor. After leading 76-75 late in the game, ART U just could not hold on despite a game-high 29 points (5-of-12 3pt) from freshman forward William Overton, Jr.

Both teams struggled to find their respective rhythms early on until ART U junior center Hunter Hayden worked into the paint a put in a hook shot. Overton, Jr. soon followed with a 3-pointer and a jumper to put ART U up 7-0 to begin the game. The opening lead would grow to 12-2 following a three-point play by senior forward Jonathan Burnett with 14:47 on the clock.

Though Western Washington battled back with a 7-2 run capped by a dunk, a technical foul on WWU provided Academy of Art the quick opportunity to answer. Sophomore guard Ivan "B.J." Prema, Jr. knocked down a pair of free throws and sophomore center Mike Jorritsma added a jumper for a four-point swing in the Knights' favor.

 After being tied 27-27, Academy of Art would surge in front with an incredible 18-0 run, with junior forward Keith Davis scoring nine points in that stretch. WWU did make a 3-pointer, but a block and breakaway layup by Overton, Jr. extended the half-ending surge to 32-13. The Urban Knights shot a program record 71.9 percent in the first period, while scoring the most points in a half (53) in ART U men's basketball history.

“What really fueled the run is that we got stops and played really good defense,” Head Coach Mark Sembrowich said. “That's what happens when you play well defensively; you come down and play looser on offense. I thought the guys did a great job in that situation.”

Despite the 53-34 halftime, Western Washington was not ready to concede, especially on its home court. The Vikings used a 22-0 run to climb back into the ballgame. After the contest was tied 60-60, Academy of Art got five quick points from Overton, Jr. by way of a 3-pointer and a tough hanging jumper. The push was extended to 8-2 when Prema, Jr. connected on a triple, but long range shooting and free throws by WWU returned the game to a 74-74 standstill.

Each team assumed an advantage in the waning minutes before a three-point play by Western Washington forward Michael Duty gave WWU a permanent lead. In the final minute, a missed 3-pointer by Overton, Jr. turned into a layup for Hayden, and the Knights trailed only by three, 81-78. Unfortunately for ART U, one last layup by the Vikings with 32 seconds left created enough of a margin and WWU took the 84-80 victory.

For the third consecutive occasion, Overton, Jr. paced the Knights by scoring a game-high 29 points. The Perth Amboy, NJ native tied his previous high of five made 3-pointers set against Menlo on Dec. 4, and added seven rebounds. Burnett contributed a double-double in the form of 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds (both figures one shy of his respective career-highs).

“It was great to see Jon play like that,” Coach Sembrowich said. “He is certainly capable and so it was good to see him deliver today. We really need that.”

Following Overton, Jr. and Burnett, Davis scored 13 points with seven rebounds. Hayden had six points and eight rebounds, while freshman guard Czar Robotham came off the bench to score four points, hand out five assists, and grab four rebounds. The Knights' record moves to 2-5 overall this season.

Western Washington was led by 25 points from guard Shedrick Nelson who shot 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Forward Michael Duty, the only other WWU player to score in double figures, finished with a double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds). The Vikings continue their success this season, moving to 6-1 on the year.

The Urban Knights play one final home game this month on Saturday, Dec. 18 when they welcome Bethany University to Kezar Pavilion. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.