Box Score

San Francisco, CA --- The Urban Knights used a complete team effort to defeat the visiting University of Hawaii-Hilo Vulcans tonight at Kezar Pavilion, 70-62. “I am so happy with tonight's game because we had a very balanced team effort,” said Yamasaki. ART U as a whole combined for an impressive 54.5% shooting. Jessica Nolan was 6-of-8 from the floor and hit six free throws to lead the Urban Knights in scoring with 18 points. Nolan grabbed six rebounds in the win and dished out four assists. “Before the game I reminded the girls to come in the game and bring what they do best (individually) on top of unlimited effort and energy,” Yamasaki said. “Jess made plays consistently for us tonight and when she does that good things happen with this team.” ART U is now 5-11 overall and 3-4 in the PacWest.

Nolan made her presence felt early on, as the started the game with two lay-ups to put ART U up 4-2 early in the contest. ART U's defense held the fourth place team in the PacWest to just two field goals for the first five minutes of the game. Ashley Lucian knocked down back-to-back three's to put ART U up 17-13 with 10:15 on the clock.

Jasmine English continued to be a spark for the Urban Knights off the bench. The senior knocked down a jumper and then snatched an offensive rebound which led to two Lucian free-throws. After hitting both free throws the Urban Knights enjoyed a 21-14 advantage. ART U remained in control of the first 20 minutes of play and closed the half by out scoring the Vulcans 10-5 down the stretch. The Urban Knights entered the locker room up 34-26.

ART U opened the second half with a 5-2 run capped by a Nicole DeRosier three pointer which forced Hilo to take a timeout to regroup and figure out a plan of attack. Back from the break the Urban Knights scored six more points, extending their lead to the largest of the contest, 45-32, just three minutes into the second.

ART U's defense was intense to start the half, causing two of the Vulcans 29 turnovers before the first media timeout. Hilo, however, remained focused and brought the game to within four points, 49-45 with 11 minutes remaining on the clock. The Urban Knights pushed the lead back to eight with the help of a Jasmine English lay-up. Jessica Nolan chipped in and put ART U up by 10 and then 12, 57-47, with 8:53 on the clock. University of Hawaii-Hilo made a run at the Knights and brought the game to within six points, but the poised Urban Knight team held on down the stretch, snapped a three game losing streak, and secured the 70-62 victory.

The Urban Knights kept the Vulcans to 45% shooting for the night. For Hilo, three players finished with double figures in scoring. Hilary Hurley led the charge with 21 points and nine rebounds. Kristy Imai was next with 12 points, four assists and two steals. Phylicia Schultz finished the game with 10 points and six rebounds. The loss drops the Vulcans to 7-7 overall and 3-3 in conference play.

For the Urban Knights Jessica Nolan led the team with 18 points. Verity Peets added 15 points and six rebounds in the victory, while Devin London played 38 minutes, added 13 points, six assists, and five steals. "This game was one of the first games that we have stayed composed and poised under pressure," Yamasaki said. "I do also want to give a lot of credit to Hurley. She moves so well and gave us a lot of grief."

ART U returns the floor Thursday January 27th when they take on first place Hawaii Pacific University at Kezar Pavilion. Tip off is set for 5:30pm.