Box Score
Seattle, WA --- The Academy of Art women's basketball team hoped for a different outcome in their first exhibition game of the season, but, unfortunately the Urban Knights dropped a 57-84 decision to Division I Seattle University tonight at the Connolly Center. Despite contributions from almost every Urban Knight player, ART U was unable to overcome the large deficit they endured in the first half.

It was a rocky start for the Urban Knights who were held to just eight points until 5:41 was left in the first half. The Rehawks kept the Urban Knights scoreless for the first three minutes of the contest and accrued a 13 point lead to start the game. Freshman Alisa Griggs put ART U on the board when she hit one of two free throws. Madeline Houston knocked down a three pointer on the very next play to bring the Urban Knights to within nine, 13-4.

Midway through the first half, ART U attempted to push the pace of play. But, despite their efforts the Redhawks remained in control and continued to regulate the tempo. With less than 12 minutes remaining in the half, the Urban Knights had just four rebounds to the Redhawks 18.

The Urban Knights were scoreless in the paint during the first period and received 10 points from off the bench. ART U went into the locker room at half time down 24-47.

"There is no question that their jumping on us early put us on our heels," said Head Coach Lindsey Yamasaki.  "This is the first opponent we have faced this season so that in itself was a shock," Yamasaki contiuned. 

ART U seemed to adjust to the pace of the game, scoring 33 points in the second half. The Academy of Art women never gave up as they attempted to chip away at Seattle U's sizeable lead. All of the Urban Knight newcomers were called upon in the contest to contribute. Devin London gave ART U some spark, scoring all of her 11 points in the second half.

The Urban Knights stepped their defense up in second half as well, causing 10 of the Redhawks 19 turnovers.

Overall inspite of the loss Head Coach Lindsey Yamasaki knows that she can expect each player to contribute on the floor as 11 of the 12 members scored in the game.

In the contest, SU was 45.2 percent from the field, making 50 of their points in the paint. Individually, four players finished in double figures. Daidra paced the Redhawks with 15 points, two assists and three steals. Salena Dickerson added 13 points and 10 rebounds. Tatiana Heck and Kacie Sowell each finished with 12 and 11 points respectfully.

As a team the Urban Knights shot 36% from the field and 53% from 3-pt land. Devin London led all ART U players with 11 points. The junior was 3-4 from behind the arc, registered two steals and a block. Nicole DeRosier chipped in with nine points and was 3-6 from deep. Freshman Alisa Griggs added eight points, grabbed a team high seven rebounds, and had two steals. Madeline Martin came in off the bench and added four points and four assists.

"This was a wake up call that we needed," Yamsaki said. "We need  to get after it and be fearless. I was proud of our effort off the bench and our resilience [as a team]. We have a ways to go but I am certain we'll get there!" Yamasaki said.

The Academy of Art begins regular season play next Sunday (Nov 14) when they host Cal State LA at Kezar Pavilion. Tip off is set for 2:00 PM.