SAN FRANCISCO – Academy of Art women's basketball could not be stopped in the second half of Saturday's 96-70 non-conference victory over Lincoln inside Kezar Pavilion. Scoring 31 and 28 points respectively in the final two quarters, the Urban Knights combined for the program's eighth-highest scoring total in their 17-year history.

Scoring layups on three of its first five possessions, ART U was quickly ahead 6-0 and that margin proceeded to grow to double digits after a pair of 3-pointers from redshirt sophomore guard Karereatua Williams. A 7-2 response by the Oaklanders kept them in it, but junior guard Alba Rovira Ayuso's score in the final minute kept the difference at 20-13 moving to the second quarter where a 10-0 run breathed life into the visitors. Though LU came dangerously close, the Knights did not relinquish their advantage, capping the half with a Rovira Ayuso triple for a five-point lead.

The start of the third quarter was all Academy of Art. While the home team was putting in eight points, Lincoln was held without a field goal for nearly four minutes, scoring only four points on free throws and turning the ball over four times in that span. Over the final five minutes of action, ART U connected from long range four times, twice by Rovira Ayuso as well as once apiece by freshman guard Violet Stutz and sophomore guard Anna Fornells. The result was a 19-point advantage, 68-49, as the fourth began.

"In the third quarter, we really focused on pushing the pace on the offensive end and playing as a unit," Rovira Ayuso said. "We emphasized helping each other out on both ends and communicating as much as possible in defense. I think we did a good job focusing on being us, working together, and taking care of each other."

Converting layups on three of its first four possessions to open the fourth frame, Academy of Art had senior forward Yasmine Sifaoui and senior forward/center Christy Ojide Boiko continuing to impose their will inside. Though the Oaklanders whittled the margin down to 16 midway through, they had no answer for sophomore guard Maddie Morrow who put the game away with three triples and 14 points in the final four plus minutes.

"I am pleased with today's result and the contributions that were made up and down our roster," said Head Coach Jesse Clark. "As we prepared for Lincoln this week at the top of the scout was how hard their team was going to compete, and going into the second half it was clear we needed to raise our own level if we were going to come away with the result. Credit to our group for coming out in the third and establishing the tempo at which we needed to be successful today."

Improving to 9-6 overall with its second consecutive victory, Academy of Art tied its season-high with 11 scoring in the game while achieving the aforementioned eighth-most points netted in program history. Double-digit scoring efforts came from Rovira Ayuso (18 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field with eight rebounds), Williams (18 points on 7-for-10 shooting from the field), Morrow (16 points on 5-for-11 shooting from the field), Ojide Boiko (13 points on 6-for-7 shooting from the field), and Sifaoui (10 points on 4-for-7 shooting from the field).

Lincoln, now 4-7 overall this season, was paced by Teuila Tuiasosopo's 21 points and nine rebounds in 35 minutes off the bench.

With non-conference action behind them, the Urban Knights refocus their attention on a rematch hosting Jessup one week from today on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. back inside Kezar Pavilion.

"Looking toward the return to conference play in a week, we have begun to identify the phases of the game that work well for us and this was on display the majority of the game today," Clark said. I know our group will be focused on continuing our current form."