SAN FRANCISCO – Despite responding with a 45-point second half, Academy of Art women's basketball dropped a 104-64 Pacific West Conference matchup with Hawaii Pacific after the Sharks jumped out to an early lead inside Kezar Pavilion on Monday afternoon.

After a 3-pointer by junior forward Ines Medina stopped a 12-0 run by HPU from the start, ART U found itself looking at an 18-6 margin at the conclusion of the first quarter. In the second, Hawaii Pacific continued to shoot at a high percentage from both the field and the free throw line to grow the lead to 52-19 at halftime.

Freshman guard Chanel Stuart converted a three-point play in the third quarter and soon junior guard Josselyn Morris began to heat up to get Academy of Art into a rhythm. HPU would remain in control, however, making its first 21 free throws and pushing more than a 40-point lead throughout the fourth quarter. In the end, the Sharks prevailed 104-64.

ART U falls to 1-7 overall this season and 0-5 in PacWest play. Four Urban Knights posted double-digit points led by 19 from Stuart plus eight rebounds. Junior guard Brianna Cates delivered 12 points with four rebounds and four assists, Morris offered 11 points, and Medina had 10 points in addition to seven rebounds (six offensive).

Hawaii Pacific remains undefeated in PacWest action, improving to 5-0 on the season while remaining 7-4 overall. A total of six Sharks scored in double figures including all five of the starters. Lauren Hippolite finished with a team-high 22 points plus eight rebounds while Abbey Noblett added 20 points in 24 minutes. Samantha Lambrigsten was a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line with her 14 points.

Academy of Art approaches the halfway point of its six-game homestand with a Jan. 2 contest hosting Chaminade. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. back inside Kezar Pavilion.