ATHERTON, Calif. – Though just three points separated the Pacific West Conference teams late in the first quarter after a 5-0 run by Academy of Art women's basketball, Menlo remained in control over the ensuing frames toward a 64-42 victory on Saturday inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion.

After layups by four different Urban Knights began the visitors' offense, a 3-pointer from sophomore guard Maddie Morrow was followed by junior guard Alba Rovira Ayuso's easy conversion to make it only 16-13 Menlo in the early going. Eight straight points from the Oaks opened the second quarter yet ART U answered back with redshirt freshman guard Karereatua Williams, graduate student guard Emilia Dougherty, and sophomore guard Lucia Revenga all scoring at the rim. Though Morrow added another triple, Menlo finished the half on an 8-3 run to go up 34-22 at the break.

The home side built a 16-point advantage midway through the third quarter before five quick points from Williams and two more from Rovira Ayuso had the difference to single digits. An 11-0 surge bridging the third and fourth quarters, however, returned Menlo to a larger lead and the teams traded baskets the rest of the way before ending at 64-42.

"We are in the middle of a tough run of games and, with shot-making inconsistent right now, our defense needs to be consistent for 40 minutes," said Head Coach Jesse Clark. "Today it was not and that consistency will be what we need to pack with us as we travel to Hawaii."

Now sporting a 9-9 overall record and 2-8 PacWest record, ART U had Williams offer 11 points while Morrow added eight points including two triples. Revenga finished with seven points, eight rebounds and three steals.

Menlo also shifts to 9-9 on the season and 5-6 in conference play after a game-high 17 points were scored by Jordyn Rosette.

Academy of Art will travel to Hawaii next week for a pair of PacWest matchups against UH Hilo (Jan. 30) and Chaminade (Feb. 1).