RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Matching up with the highest-ranked team the Pacific West Conference has to offer on Monday, Academy of Art University women's basketball outscored No. 11 California Baptist in two of the four quarters, but ended up dropping an 82-68 decision on the road at Van Dyne Gym.

"Our defensive transition was something we had stressed coming in and it improved after their initial run, but we know we need to start out the game with it being on point," said head coach LaNay Larson. "It wasn't our best night on either end and to have a chance to beat a team like Cal Baptist we need to bring our best game throughout."

The Lancers lived up to the hype out of the gate with a 13-0 run to build what was a 27-8 lead after the first quarter. Cutting into the margin early in the second quarter, baskets by senior guard Alana Simon, junior forward Helena Orts, and junior guard Jazzlynn Brewster accounted for a 7-0 run.

Then, approaching the half, Brewster accounted for six points during a 14-4 surge that brought ART U to within single digits before a CBU layup made it 43-32 at halftime. In the second half, baskets by Orts and junior guard Rodericka Ware dropped the margin down to seven yet a 21-11 push with two 3-pointers late in the third ensued to rebuild a 64-47 lead moving into the fourth.

Five quick points by Orts ignited an 11-2 run early in the final quarter to bring the Urban Knights within 12 points, but Academy of Art would not come any closer with the Lancers continuing to convert down the stretch.

ART U leaves Southern California now 10-6 overall and 6-2 in conference play. Brewster's 18 points were a season-high and went with six rebounds. Orts offered her eighth double-double of the year with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Simon posted 13 points plus seven rebounds and Ware finished with 10 points and five assists.

"I thought Jazz and Alana did some good things offensively and Karleigh [Joseph] was a good spark coming off the bench," said Larson. "We have some big games ahead so we have to learn from our mistakes and keep progressing. We still have a lot of room to grow and I know our best basketball is still ahead of us."

California Baptist, now winners of 15 in a row, rise to 18-2 overall and remain a perfect 9-0 in the PacWest. The conference's second-leading scorer Cassidy Mihalko finished with a team-high 18 points, but the big surprise was Emma Meriggioli's five 3-pointers for 15 points.

Academy of Art returns home to Kezar Pavilion for its rematch with Dominican this Thursday, Jan. 19. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.