Box Score

St. Paul, MN – Academy of Art University men's basketball team stayed right with Concordia University, but could not hold on in a 77-67 defeat. The Golden Bears managed to overcome the Urban Knights' sizzling first half shooting on Saturday night inside Gangelhoff Center. Junior forward Keith Davis had a team-high 18 points, while freshman forward William Overton, Jr. contributed another double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds). This was ART U's second contest of the 2010 Radisson Roseville Thanksgiving Basketball Classic after they topped Upper Iowa the previous evening.

“The team has played in some close games now; we beat UC Davis in an exhibition game, had that overtime game against Cal State East Bay, and then beat Upper Iowa last night,” Head Coach Mark Sembrowich said. “Only until the last few minutes did [Concordia] reach double digits. But it all helps in developing our team and program. You've got to play in close games to learn how to win them. We're still getting better and we still have a ways to go.”

In a fast-paced first half that saw the teams deadlocked six times, Overton, Jr. was the first to put ART U on the board with a jumper. The Golden Bears were up 10-7 early on before Academy of Art executed a 7-2 burst capped by a three ball from senior guard Phillip Samuel off the feed from Davis. Concordia then attempted numerous triples to eventually assume a five-point advantage with 8:43 remaining in the half.

From there, the Urban Knights rallied back with a 7-0 run sparked by a three-point play from sophomore center Mike Jorritsma. Davis and senior forward Jonathan Burnett each worked to maintain a lead for ART U, but CU would not let Academy of Art get further than three points ahead. After freshman guard Czar Robotham posted a 3-pointer in the final 40 seconds, the hard fought battle was fittingly tied 39-39 at halftime.

Junior center Hunter Hayden started the Knights' second half with strong plays on both ends. During the Golden Bears' opening possession, Hayden disrupted CU's interior offense and forced a turnover. On the other end, the Hayward, CA native worked his way into the key with a strong move and netted a hook shot. Soon the game was tied again, 47-47, when Davis hit a 3-pointer off an assist by senior guard Devin Williams.

Midway through the second period, the game briefly became a three-point shooting contest. Senior guard Lance Olivier brought the ball into the frontcourt and knocked down a triple to ignite ART U. Then, CU guard Courtney Tyler responded with a three of his own on the Golden Bears' side, but Samuel answered back with yet another shot made from long range. Each of the Knights' 3-pointers served as game-tying baskets.

Concordia University then put together an 11-2 run to create some space. Although Academy of Art worked hard to cut the margin down to four points late, Concordia used a timely triple from Tyler with 2:44 left, to keep the Knights at bay. The Golden Bears struggled from the free throw line in the final minute, but their margin held up, and they came away with the win, 77-67.

Academy of Art University had Davis turn in an 18-point performance that included 3-for-5 shooting from beyond the arc. In addition, the Long Beach, CA native grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists. Overton, Jr. finished with his second consecutive double-double by way of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Hayden added eight points, with six rebounds and two steals, while Burnett put up eight points on 4-for-5 shooting from the floor. Samuel added six points off the bench (2-of-7 3pt) along with four rebounds and two assists. The Urban Knights' record is now 1-3 overall in their 2010-11 campaign.

“Keith played pretty well,” Coach Sembrowich said. “He had good energy. I thought Hunter gave us good minutes. Jon Burnett was 4-for-5 from the field so that was good and I thought Phillip battled. Czar lifted us by hitting a three and a nice runner in the first half. Overall, it was a team effort.”

The Golden Bears were led by guard Peter Olafeso and his 19 points (9-of-12 FT). He along with his identical brother, Kenny, combined for 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Tyler added 12 points. Concordia University, St. Paul moves to 3-1 on the year.

The Urban Knights return to San Francisco following this tournament for their first home game of the season. ART U hosts Menlo College on Saturday, Dec. 4 at Kezar Pavilion. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM.