SAN FRANCISCO – In front by five points at the end of the first quarter and within striking distance throughout the second half including midway through the fourth, Academy of Art women's basketball went toe-to-toe with Point Loma on Saturday inside Kezar Pavilion, but the Urban Knights' diversified production and impressive bench contributions could not prevent PLNU from capturing the 70-59 victory.

"Pleased with the big picture steps forward for our program this afternoon, however, I'm disappointed we didn't come away with the result today," said Head Coach Jesse Clark.

A quick 5-0 run highlighted by both a 3-pointer and assist from redshirt freshman guard Karereatua Williams gave ART U a 12-8 advantage in the opening quarter before junior guard Alba Rovira Ayuso's five points in the final 45 seconds elevated the Knights to a 17-12 margin. She added another basket for the seven-point lead early in the second, but as the lead changed hands five more times, it was not until free throws and a PLNU triple countered a 3-pointer from freshman guard Violet Stutz, putting the visitors in front 33-31 at the half.

After the difference grew to double digits midway through the third quarter, Academy of Art quickly fought back, scoring nine unanswered points with Williams and sophomore guard Anna Fornells both hitting from distance. A 54-47 lead for the Sea Lions heading to the fourth eventually became 14, but back-to-back triples from that same duo combined with a pair of turnovers during a 7-0 surge in which the Knights forced Point Loma turnovers on four consecutive possessions.

"Everything starts with good defense," said senior forward Yasmine Sifaoui. "During those runs, we played aggressive defense, and it led to solid offensive plays. Going forward, we need to focus on maintaining that same defensive mindset and consistency throughout the game, not just during certain stretches."

A clutch 3-pointer from Fornells had the margin down to 63-57 with well over three minutes left, but steady free throws by the visitors allowed them to secure the 70-59 win in the end.

"Not completing some very good defensive possessions that we had going especially in the second and third quarters was tough for us to overcome and Point Loma made us pay by converting on those for five threes during that stretch," Clark said. "Having said this, we did show what we are capable of by creating offense from our defense. In addition, our team's tremendous depth showed out with 25 points off our bench."

At 6-3 on the year and 0-2 PacWest games through the first week of conference action, the Urban Knights saw Fornells and Williams share the team's scoring lead at 13 points apiece. The tandem combined for seven 3-pointers and seven assists with Sifaoui entering double digits for the third consecutive game at 11 points along with six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Saturday marked the ninth consecutive game with at least seven different Academy of Art players scoring this season and 15th straight dating back to the end of last year.

The win puts Point Loma at 7-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play after Tavia Rowell turned in a game-high 22 points while Kaylee Byon (19 points, seven assists, five rebounds, four steals) and Alli McDonald (13 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and four steals) supported with strong stat lines.

The first of two more home games in the 2024 calendar year is next with ART U hosting Fresno Pacific at 5 p.m. on Dec. 13.