SAN FRANCISCO – After a furious second quarter comeback by Academy of Art women's basketball to make it a one-point game at halftime, Chico State benefited from a momentum shift in the second half and went on to prevail 74-52 inside Kezar Pavilion on Saturday afternoon.

A pair of 3-pointers from junior guard Alba Rovira Ayuso marked the first two baskets for ART U yet the Wildcats' ensuing 15-0 run had the visitors in the driver's seat early. Free throws by freshman guard Violet Stutz were followed by five quick points from senior forward Yasmine Sifaoui in the final minute of the opening quarter as the margin was whittled down to seven.

Sophomore guard Lucia Revenga provided a three-point play to begin the second quarter, extending the run to 10-2 and soon four consecutive Academy of Art layups were unanswered with sophomore guard Maddie Morrow converting two during the 8-0 burst. The half ended on a 7-1 surge highlighted by a Morrow triple as the Chico State advantage had dropped to a single point, 32-31, at the stoppage.

Though the Knights remained close throughout the third frame, they could not regain the lead with small runs by the Wildcats keeping them in front. A Rovira Ayuso jumper in the last minute had the difference at 46-38 and, though it went down further on a basket by redshirt freshman guard Karereatua Williams early in the fourth, an 18-0 Chico State response guided them to the eventual 74-52 final.

"Today Chico State presented some new challenges and adversity for our team and, as a tough-minded top team in the West Region, they reminded us of the challenges we will have to face as we work towards our goals for this season," said Head Coach Jesse Clark. "We will watch this one back, learn, grow, and be ready for the opportunities ahead."

Now 5-1 overall in 2024-25, Academy of Art still had eight Knights score in the contest paced by Rovira Ayuso's 12 points which came with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Sifaoui contributed nine points and six rebounds while Revenga finished with seven points, five rebounds, and three steals. Senior forward/center Christy Ojide Boiko secured eight rebounds and blocked two shots.

"This loss definitely stung, especially coming off a strong 5-0 start to the season," said Graduate Student Guard Emilia Dougherty. "But it's also a great opportunity for us to step back, reevaluate, and identify the areas where we can improve on in practice then translate into the next game. We're determined to get better on both ends of the court, focusing on making smart decisions and continuing to play for each other. If we stick to our core values of consistency and determination, I have no doubt we'll bounce back stronger and more prepared for the next game."

The win elevates Chico State to 4-1 on the year and was led by Makenzi Laporte's 16 points as well as 13 from Jordan Allred. Ashleigh Barr grabbed nine rebounds off the bench.

ART U will wrap up its non-conference action to begin the season by hosting UC Merced on Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. back inside Kezar Pavilion.