Box Score

Belmont, CA (12/17/08) -- Junior point guard Sondra Stilwell's 21-point performance was not enough to help the Urban Knights Wednesday evening, as they dropped their ninth game of the season to the Argonauts, 60-73. But Head Coach Lindsey Yamasaki applauded her efforts " Sondra Stilwell was by far the most outstanding player last night. Sondra continues to rise to the occasion each and every game; she has learned that we need her to score even though she is the smallest player on the floor. Her leadership, tenacious defense and her ability to score is something that we rely and hopefully her consistency in doing so will start to rub off on her teammates. More than anything her ability to play at a fast pace for the entire game is invaluable to our team."

The first half was a tight battle, AAU quickly took an early six point lead on a lay-up by Stilwell. The Urban Knights were able to stay on top for a majority of the half but were unable to increase their lead to more than six.  NDNU closed the half on a 8-0 run to take a two point lead into the break.  The Urban Knights out rebounded  the Argos, 25-18, in the first but went into the break with 18 turnovers.

NDNU came out of the half picking up where they left off, scoring 12 of the first 17 points and increasing their lead to nine. The Urban Knights, however, rallied back with eleven straight points to take a three point advantage capped by a steal by Jacqui Heck who passed the ball ahead to a streaking Stilwell who took the ball strong to the hole and got to the line. Stilwell would make both free-throws and put the Knights up by three.  That three point lead would be their last. The score would remain close until the final minutes as the Argos finished the game on a 16-2 run to secure their victory.

For NDNU Senior forward Britni Rathke lead the Argos with a 28 point and 20 rebound performance. Jen Dreessen added 16 points while Kim Hom tacked on 11 points and four assists.  Leading scorer Tanaia Keyes struggled from the field but dished out seven assists and recorded two blocks.

Stilwell paced the Urban Knights with 21 points, six assists and five rebounds while Levalasi Key added ten points and six rebounds. Heck chipped in with eight points, two steals and 2 blocks. The Knights also held the Argos leading scorer to just four points.

Yamasaki reflected on the game by saying, "Last night, down the stretch our team fell apart. We missed several game changing baskets, it is like we forgot how to do even the most basic things." She also added, "Hopefully this is something that we can improve on over the course of the next few weeks as it is vital in order for us to win especially against the teams that we are "better" than."

AAU travels next to Humboldt State University where they will take on the Lumberjacks this Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 PM.