ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – In the closing game of the CCAA/PacWest Challenge, the battle between Academy of Art men's basketball and the host Seawolves came down to the wire, as the battle with a one basket difference saw SSU escaping from the Urban Knights with a 80-78 final score.

It was a tale of two halves as ART U and SSU each traded having the better offense for a 20-minute span, with the Seawolves owning the first frame. Closing out what was an eventual 46-32 half for SSU to start the game, the host team looked like a new unit compared to their first appearance of the tournament against Dominican, as the squad knocked down 64 percent of their shots in the first half going 16-for-25 from the field. Sonoma State never let up until the buzzer, as they steadily grew their lead up until the end of the first half.

Entering the closing frame, Academy of Art refused to stand down as multiple different members went on to contribute double-digit points by game's end. Senior guard Rodney Munson was the main piece of the team to lead the team back into it, as the New Orleans native hit multiple shots throughout the second half to stop Sonoma State momentum to climb back to a near even score. Buckets came from all angles in the second half for ART U, as all nine members that saw the floor managed to get one down. It was really around the eight minute mark where the Knights really showed their presence, as a big 3-pointer from redshirt junior guard Donovan Vickers combined with Munson and senior forward Isaiah Williams free throws brought the squad to within two for the first time since just under 13 minutes left in the first half.

Entering the final stretch within a singular basket, the Knights saw themselves within just a point on numerous occasions after a senior forward Quintin Metcalf layup and junior forward Robbie Armbrester dunk, but the score was never able to get back to a deadlock. The final minute slowly ticked down as the two teams shared free throws, and Sonoma would come away with the 80-78 final score.

Munson led the team in offense with 18 points, while Vickers (12), Williams (11), Metcalf (10), and Armbrester (10) all joined him in the double-digits with the ladder collecting the team-high in rebounds with six.

ART U's next game will be their home opener, as the Knights will host Chico State next Saturday, Nov. 16 with a 4 p.m. tip at Kezar Pavilion.