OAKLAND, Calif. – A double-digit Fresno Pacific lead was cut down considerably during a third-quarter comeback by Academy of Art women's basketball, but one more push in the late stages of the Pacific West Conference matchup inside Laney College Gym ended with the Sunbirds on top 71-60.

After a 7-6 advantage was gained on a jumper by junior forward Yasmine Sifaoui, ART U saw FPU score 16 of the next 17 points in the quarter to move in front 22-8. Though Sifaoui free throws and a triple by sophomore guard Alba Rovira Ayuso provided a counterpunch early in the second quarter, Fresno Pacific was able to end the half with a 9-4 push that resulted in their 38-22 halftime lead.

Four free throws by Rovira Ayuso and a basket by junior forward/center Christy Ojide marked a 6-0 burst out of the locker room which soon became an 12-2 start as freshman guard Lucia Revenga, Sifaoui, and Rovira Ayuso all converted in the paint.

The Urban Knights had the margin down to five with two minutes still left in the third and again with six and half remaining in the fourth following a 3-pointer by Rovira Ayuso. However, the Sunbirds managed to slowly shift momentum back to their side with an 8-3 run before free throws in the final minute of what became a 71-60 win.

ART U moves to 4-17 overall and 3-12 versus conference opponents with the day's result. Rovira Ayuso's 18 points were a game-high and she added six rebounds as well as three steals while the 17 points scored by Sifaoui were a season best. Ojide's double-double of 11 points plus 14 rebounds was her second of the year, coming with two blocks and a new career-high four steals.

"Credit to Fresno for getting out to a quality start, however, I am proud of our group especially their second half performance," said Head Coach Jesse Clark. "We continue to put together quality performances, and I know positive results are ahead for this program."

Improving to 16-6 on the season and 10-4 in PacWest play, Fresno Pacific got a team-high 17 points from Felicia Dourva, Maesyn Rix added 12 points, and Jayla Green came off the bench to collect an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double.

The Urban Knights will have one week until their next conference matchup as ART U will host UH Hilo back on Laney College Gym on Feb. 17 at 1 p.m.