SAN FRANCISCO – Despite trailing by double digits at halftime, Academy of Art women's basketball steadily worked its way back with an 18-4 run to start the fourth quarter, cutting Fresno Pacific's margin down to a single point with just under five minutes left in regulation. The Pacific West Conference rematch unfortunately wound up repeating the result from the team's first meeting as FPU converted free throws down the stretch to finish on top 85-77 inside Kezar Pavilion on Thursday evening.

Following an exciting pace early, the teams traded baskets out of the gate and for much of the opening quarter. The Sunbirds closed the first on an 8-2 run, but that momentum was stymied by two free throws and a layup from junior guard Pam Wilmore who continued to attack the basket.

Over the course of the second frame, a six-point Fresno Pacific advantage increased to 15, but two fastbreak buckets for Wilmore in the final one minute and five seconds made it a 42-31 halftime score favoring the visitors.

ART U's first conversion of the second half was a 3-pointer from sophomore guard Chanel Stuart, but FPU's lead hovered in the 10-15 point range for the remainder of the third. Junior guard/forward Lily Perkins opened the fourth with a layup and after Stuart converted three free throws after being fouled beyond the arc, the margin dipped to single digits on senior guard Josselyn Morris' triple.

Perkins then scored five straight, Stuart connected from distance once again to a huge eruption from the crowd, and with a little under five minutes left, Perkins found herself laying in the ball to make it a one-point game. That 68-67 difference was short-lived, however, as FPU rattled off eight of the next 10 points scored to move further ahead. The Urban Knights worked hard to stay within striking distance seven of eight free throws dropped for the Sunbirds and they walked away with the 85-77 victory.

The evening's result put Academy of Art at 7-12 overall and 5-10 in conference play. Leading the way was Perkins' 24 points to go with six rebounds and four steals while Wilmore added 16 points in 20 minutes of action. Stuart came off the bench to score 14 points and the tandem of freshman forward Aari'yanna Sanders and junior forward Sankia Braxton combined to grab 16 rebounds.

Winners of three of their last four, Fresno Pacific improves to 12-10 on the year and 9-7 in PacWest matchups. Scoring a game-high 42 points and hauling in 11 rebounds, Cassie Pisik did a little bit of everything, knocking down three triples, converting nine of 10 free throws, and adding two assists plus two steals and one block.

ART U will return to Kezar Pavilion this Saturday, Feb. 8 for a 1 p.m. PacWest rematch with Biola.