San Francisco, CA – Academy of Art University men's basketball heated up from long range in the second half Thursday night, but it was not enough to overcome a first half deficit as Dominican University won 73-64. Despite the loss, the Urban Knights still fought back against the Penguins who led by over 50% shooting from three-point range in the second period. Numerous long shots by sophomore guard Ivan "B.J." Prema, Jr. repeatedly ignited the large “Battle of the Dorms” crowd inside Kezar Pavilion.

“B.J. has really started to play a lot better lately on both ends and I think he's really started to find his rhythm shooting again,” Head Coach Mark Sembrowich said. “He's a very good shooter and it was really good to see him knock down a few of those shots. I think it's something that's going to just continue to help us. I mean B.J. is a very talented individual and it's really good to get some performance out of him.”

Following a close back-and-forth battle in the early moments of the game, Dominican led 7-6 after the first three minutes of action. The Penguins were able to pull off a 10-0 run from that point, until freshman center Noah Koné-Nelson stopped the surge with a jumper. Dominican continued to push, expanding its lead to 18 points, 30-12, with just over eight minutes left. Academy of Art, however, would respond.

The Knights cut into the DUC advantage with a 6-0 burst in which freshman forward William Overton, Jr. scored four points. A layup by junior center Hunter Hayden brought ART U within 10; and after hanging tough against another Dominican run, the Urban Knights were down by just 12 at halftime, 39-27. At the break, Overton, Jr. led Academy of Art with nine points including a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line.

Early in the second half, ART U reduced the lead to seven points with a pair of free throws and a jumper from Hayden. Shortly thereafter, the junior center had four more quick points and two steals defensively, helping the Knights come within five, 42-37.

Academy of Art University's offense from beyond the three-point arc also came alive in the period to complement the interior scoring. A triple by Overton, Jr. and then back-to-back 3-pointers from Prema, Jr. brought ART U to within six points, 52-46. Dominican, however, responded with a pair of buckets by center Killian Larson and managed to keep its advantage around 10 points for the remainder of the contest.

“I thought we got out-coached, out-hustled, and out-played in the first half,” Coach Sembrowich said. “I thought we did a nice job of not throwing in the towel and bouncing back. I was disappointed in myself and just disappointed with the way we played in the first half. I just feel like we can do better and give credit to Dominican; I thought they did exactly what they needed to; but we just have to pick up the pieces and get ready to play Monday.”

The Urban Knights were paced by 21 points from Overton, Jr. including 7-of-9 from the free throw line. Hayden contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Coming off the bench, Prema, Jr. knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with nine points. Burnett turned in a solid eight points and seven rebounds (four on the offensive glass to lead all players). Freshman guard Czar Robotham and junior forward Keith Davis each had seven points apiece. Academy of Art moves to 5-14 overall, 2-7 in PacWest competition.

Larson led the Penguins with a game-high 22 points (9-of-10 shooting from the floor) and seven rebounds. Forward Leon Hart added 11 points and a game-high eight rebounds off the bench. Dominican now sports a 2-17 overall record, 2-7 in the PacWest.

With their first PacWest homestand of 2011 complete, the Urban Knights are next on the road at Notre Dame de Namur this Monday, February 7th. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM following the women's contest inside Walter Gleason Gym.