AZUSA, CALIF. – In a game that nearly witnessed a 30-point comeback for Academy of Art (4-9, 3-4 PacWest) in the final seconds against Azusa Pacific (9-10, 4-5 PacWest), the Cougars eventually held on for a 78-71 win over the Urban Knights.
 
In the first half, ART U kept things close with APU, never trailing by more than eight for the first 15 minutes of action. However, the Cougars began to take control late in the half, taking a 13-point, 30-17 lead into the locker rooms.
 
For the opening 12 minutes of the second period, Azusa Pacific continued to pull ahead, stretching their lead to as many as 30 points with 8:46 to play. From there, the Urban Knights went on an historic tear, outscoring APU 24-9 which cut the deficit to just five points with seven seconds on the clock. However, the Cougars were able to stave off an incredible ART U comeback in the final seconds, securing a 7-point victory.  In the half, Academy of Art outscored Azusa Pacific 54-48.
 
Although their late run fell just short, four Urban Knights managed to score double-digit points (including three starters) for the third consecutive game. This is also the fourth time in the last five contests that ART U has achieved this feat. Junior guard Uchenna Okeneme came away with a team-high, 15 points along with three rebounds and three steals. Another junior guard, Kendall Brown, ranked among the top Knights scorers, nearly posting a double-double with 14 points and eight boards. Freshman forward Ivan Furlan and junior guard Victor Nwaba rounded out the top scorers, each posting identical lines (12 points and three rebounds).
 
Academy of Art will look to get back to a .500 conference record when they close out their Southern California trip on Monday, taking on No. 5 California Baptist at 7:00 p.m.