Box Score

San Francisco, CA --- Three seasons ago when the Urban Knights entered War Memorial Gym to play Division I University of San Francisco the squad had played just two intercollegiate contests ever. This season, ART U has faced some of Division II's top squads and despite their record have held their own. Tonight Head Coach Lindsey Yamasaki and her ball club left it all on the floor with hopes to avenge their first year loss to the Dons, unfortunately, ART U dropped the match 85-57. USF picks up their third win of the season while the Urban Knights drop to 2-7 heading into conference play.

“We knew coming into the game tonight that they were going to be stronger and quicker than any team we have faced this season. I think we did a good job, but withstanding their pressure for 40 minutes and matching their physicality was too much of a struggle for us,” Head Coach Lindsey Yamasaki said.

For the second straight game junior Nicole DeRosier lit up her opponents from the field. DeRosier once again tied the schools three-point record by knocking down six three's on 11 attempts. She didn't stop there, DeRosier also knocked down nine field goals and finished with a game high nine rebounds.

“Nicole is finding her stride,” Yamasaki said. “She is taking pride in her defense and rebounding which I think takes pressure off her offense.”

In the first half ART U kept the contest close during the first nine minutes, taking the lead on two separate occasions. With USF up by four, 15-11, with 11:25 on the clock the Dons hit a big three which sparked a 17-3 run. Verity Peets snapped a four minute drought by knocking down a pair of free throws to give ART U their 16th point of the game. The Dons, however, continued to extend their lead over the Urban Knights, and followed Peets free-throws with a 15-3 run to close the half. ART U entered the locker room down 47-19.

As the second half started it was apparent that the Urban Knights were playing for pride. ART U dug deep and within the first 10 minutes saw themselves chipping away at the Dons' lead. A Jessica Nolan lay-up brought the Urban Knights to within 16 points, a place that they had not been in since midway through the first half. USF knocked down big shots down the stretch to keep the Knights out of reach, extending their lead back up to 22 points. ART U made another run with five minutes remaining in the game by attacking the paint and getting themselves to the free-throw line. Michelle Koike brought the Urban Knights to within 18 points but it was too little too late as USF sent the Urban Knights home with an 85-57 loss.

As a team the Urban Knights shot 30% from the field while USF shot 44%. ART U was 50% from beyond the arc in the second half finished with a 35% overall three point percentage. The Dons managed to get to the line four more times than the Urban Knights but ART U connected on 14 of their 20 attempts.

USF had three players finish with double-digit points. Kelly Jo Mullaney led the way finishing with 16 points, four assists, a steal and a block. Joining the Mullaney with double-digit efforts were Vania Singleterry and Bailey Barbour. Barbour finished with 11 and Singletrry with 10 and seven rebounds.

The Urban Knights were led by Nicole DeRosier who had a game and season high 24 points and nine rebounds. DeRosier also added two assists and two steals. Verity Peets knocked down 10 baskets for ART U while also grabbing five rebounds. Alisa Griggs added eight points in 14 minutes.

This game concludes non-conference play for ART U. The Urban Knights return to the court for their first conference match on Jan. 6 against University of Hawaii-Hilo.

“I think we are in a great place right now. We have chemistry and fire and I think we are ready to start rolling into conference play,” Yamasaki closed.