BELMONT, Calif. – It was an all-round performance for Academy of Art men's basketball in their showdown against Saint Martin's on Friday, as ART U set season-best marks in multiple categories during an impressive 90-78 victory in non-conference action. 

"Tonight was a great team win," said ART U Head Coach Scott Waterman. "For the first time this year, we played ART U basketball, which was best exemplified by our 21 assists. We really shared the ball tonight and made great plays against a very good team." 

Fast and furious was the start to the action as the two teams traded buckets early on before the Urban Knights (3-3) grabbed control with an 8-0 run, largely coming on the strength of consecutive 3-pointers by graduate student guards Deang Deang and Joshua Bagley. After the ART U lead ballooned to as large as eight points, the Saints (3-2) erased it thanks to a 12-0 stretch in just a minute and a half to jump back in front. 

Momentum would swing back in the favor of the Knights thanks their hot hand, as ART U hit exactly 50 percent of their looks from the floor in battling back to once again reclaim the lead. Key in the momentum swing was a pair of three-balls from sophomore guard Brian Rios in the final minutes of the first half helped the Knights take a seven-point cushion, 43-36, into the break.

Two jumpers from sophomore forward Latrell Williams would begin the second half, pushing the ART U lead into double-digits. Though the lead would fluctuate, Saint Martin's never could come closer than three possessions over the final nine minutes, with ART U icing the game at the free throw line down the stretch. 

The Knights continued the stiff defense that they have shown in early season contests, winning the turnover battle for the fourth time this season by committing a season-low of 11 turnovers while forcing the Saints into 13. Though ART U only came up with seven steals, they came at opportune times according to Waterman. 

"Defensively, we had great energy and got some critical stops when we needed them," Waterman said. "This game will be a stepping stone for the rest of the year."

It was a true team effort, as the Knights shot above 50 percent in both halves and finished the game 51.5 percent (34-for-66) from the field, the first time they have done so this campaign. Five different Urban Knights would end the game in double figures, yet another season-best mark, led by graduate student guard Denny Slay's 19 points on the strength of 6-for-10 (.600) shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 from downtown.

Meanwhile, Williams showed out with his second double-double of the campaign thanks to a 15-point, 11-rebound performance, while also producing a team best three steals. Chipping in 14 points apiece were Deang and Bagley, while graduate student forward Adrian Byrd-Jelinek nearly snagged a double-double of his own with 13 points and nine boards.

Ball movement was indeed on full display for the Knights as they totaled a season-best 21 assists, their most since they also had 21 helpers in the shortened 2020 season during a 93-89 win over Humboldt State. The trio of Williams, Deang, and junior guard Klay Brown all tied for a team-best five assists apiece, while Slay added three of his own.

ART U will look to continue its winning ways this Sunday when they return to the road to face UC Davis, which can be seen on ESPN+ (subscription required) with a tip time of 2 p.m.