Box Score
San Francisco, CA -- Urban Knights men's basketball was down by just six points at halftime Saturday night against visiting Pacific West Conference opponent Dixie State, but they could not make a second-half comeback and fell 69-51. Freshman forward Aaron Aikman went for a season-high 16 points and six rebounds despite the loss. AAU's record now stands at 0-13 overall, and 0-3 in PacWest while the Red Storm are 10-3 overall, 4-0 in PacWest.
Although the Urban Knights had six fouls in the first four minutes, they soon settled down and stayed close with the Red Storm. Junior guard Phillip Samuel, AAU's leading scorer, was a victim of foul trouble early on and was only able to play two minutes in the opening period. On Dixie State's side, forward and PacWest Player of the Week Tom Whitehead also picked up two fouls and scored no points in the half.
Academy of Art trailed the Red Storm 11-10 with 10:40 remaining before Dixie State took a larger advantage utilizing a 10-2 burst. The Knights then came within four points on two separate occasions with some high-percentage shots by Aikman. A made jumper by freshman forward Jordan Knox in the final minute of the half cut the deficit to six so the scoreboard read 29-23 with Dixie State in front. Aikman had eight points to lead the squad.
Momentum swung to the Red Storm after the second period began with a three-point play by Dixie followed by a dunk by Whitehead, and AAU found itself in a nine-point hole. From nine it became 17 due to another run by Dixie State and the visitors would eventually hold on for the 69-51 win.
“We're learning to play hard and we played pretty hard, but playing hard only gets you into the race,” Head Coach Mark Sembrowich said. “Playing hard doesn't win you any races so now we've got to be able to play better. We have to continue to play that hard, but play better while doing so.”
Aikman had a season-high 16-point performance off the bench for Academy of Art University. He also had six rebounds (three on the offensive glass) and added a pair of steals.
“Aaron really stepped up and did a good job,” said Coach Sembrowich. “We are really proud of him and what he's done. He's come a long way and he is doing well.”
Knox put in eight points off the bench along with two assists and two steals. Junior forward Jonathan Burnett led all starters with seven points and tied Aikman for the team-high in rebounds with six.
Dixie State was paced by 16 points from both forward Andy Palmer and center Zach Robbins. Palmer was 8-for-8 from the free throw line and Robbins also contributed seven rebounds off the bench. As a team, the Red Storm shot 37 free throws, but they were collectively just 62.2 percent from the line.
The Urban Knights will have Sunday off before they are back in action on Monday when Grand Canyon University comes to the City by the Bay. Academy of Art University and GCU will face off in Kezar Pavilion on Jan. 18 with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 following the women's game.
