SAN DIEGO – On a beautiful Saturday afternoon by the Pacific Ocean, a strong first quarter by Point Loma highlighted by the deep ball would be the difference. ART U battled throughout, but was unable to fully close the large gap falling 64-80. 

In an absolute shoot-out of a first quarter, ART U went out to a quick 6-2 lead on the back of dominant post work by senior forward Helena Orts who claimed the first points of the game. Orts went on to put up a double-digit quarter with 10 points, however the Sea Lions could not miss, shooting 66 percent from the field and sinking five three pointers. ART U headed into the second quarter trailing 33-19.

Opposite of the first, the second quarter was highlighted by strong defensive-play. The Urban Knights clamped down, determined to get back into the game, and did not concede a point for the first three and a half minutes. ART U completely dominated the glass, boasting twice the number of rebounds (32) to Point Loma's 16 in the opening half. Consequently, it came as no surprise that half of the Urban Knights' points came off of offensive boards. Despite the enormous gap in rebounds, ART U would end the half trailing by 19.

The perseverance of ART U was undeniable, coming out of the locker room blazing hot translating into a 5-0 run on jumpers by Orts and senior forward Pre'Franz Dominick. Dominick was fouled driving into the lane in the next possession, but she hit one of her free throws to complete their run. The teams ultimately traded points throughout the quarter which allowed Point Loma to remain in the driver's seat.

The Urban Knights started the final quarter with a strong mindset when sophomore forward Ines Medina drained a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 17. ART U went on to outscore the Sea Lions 16-15 in the final 10 minutes, but the large lead created in the first quarter kept the Urban Knights at bay.

ART U seniors stepped up with Orts leading the offensive-charge, putting up 20 points (15 rebounds) followed by redshirt senior guard Jazzlyn Brewster who had 16. Orts also collected a team-high, 15 rebounds in a game where ART U out-rebounded the Sea Lions 60-36, their second-highest output this season. Brewster's 10 rebounds also awarded her a first-career double-double.

Academy of Art will continue their Southern California campaign squaring off against California Baptist University Monday, Feb. 5, at the CBU Events Center.