Box Score
Seaside, Calif. (11/24/08) -- Academy of Art University men's basketball traveled to Cal State University, Monterey Bay's Otter Sports Center on Monday evening looking for a victory, but despite a valiant effort, the Urban Knights were defeated by a score of 56-73. Sophomore guard Phillip Samuel scored 15 points and added three steals while sophomore guard Marqus Crawford also contributed 15 points in his first game as a starter.
The contest began with both teams struggling to score as only one jumper was made by either squad in the first 10 minutes. Academy of Art University established a four-point lead at the 9:15 mark (12-8) on a Crawford layup, but the Otters responded with six straight points to regain the advantage. The teams then battled back-and-forth for a total of six lead changes in the half. The period appropriately concluded in a tie, 23-23, after Samuel hit a jumper with 12 seconds remaining on the clock.
The Urban Knights were on the board first in the second half as Crawford stole the ball, was fouled and eventually made one-of-two at the free throw line. However, five straight scores in the paint by CSU Monterey Bay gave the Otters a 33-24 lead with 16:14 left in the game. A pair of free throws pushed the run to 12-0, but freshman small forward Hunter Hayden, who finished with nine points, ended the streak with a jumper.
The Otters' Steve Monreal, who led his team with 23 points, promptly posted CSU Monterey Bay's next seven points on two layups, a free throw and a jumper. Academy of Art University matched its opponent for the next six minutes, but the Otters simply continue to have their way. The Urban Knights were only able to convert on free throws for a four minute stretch hit a jumper to bring the gap to 16 with 1:43 to go.
Crawford and Samuel paced the Knights with their respective 15-point performances while Hayden's nine points and team-high six rebounds followed. Unfortunately, Academy of Art University went 19-of-32 from the line and made just three of its 13 attempts from beyond the arc. Junior guard J.R. Cassita did nail two of those 3-pointers in the game and finished with seven points.
With the loss, Academy of Art University drops to 0-3 in its inaugural season while Cal State Monterey Bay improves to 2-0.
The Master's College is up next for the Urban Knights in a home contest this Wednesday (11/26/08) evening at 7:00 PM. Despite having its normal home events take place at Kezar Pavilion, this game will be played at UC San Francisco's Bakar Fitness and Recreation Center.
