Box Score

San Francisco, CA --- The Urban Knights opened their 2010-11 season with a home match against Cal State LA on Sunday afternoon. ART U, who led for a majority of the game, unfortunately dropped a 69-73 overtime decision to the visiting Golden Eagles. The loss gives ART U an 0-1 start, while CSU LA improves to 1-0.

While ART U started the game a little shaky, they quickly regained their composure and charged back from being down five points just six minutes into the game. The Urban Knights took their final lead of the half on a 3pt shot by Devin London, 17-16. The Urban Knights would extend their lead to as many as seven before the half retired. A half court shot by CSULA's Lorin Hammer at the buzzer would tie the score at 27 as the teams headed into the locker room.

Back from the break, the Urban Knights turned up their intensity and ran their lead back to seven within the first five minutes. A quick steal by Jessica Nolan, an offensive rebound and put back by Alisa Griggs, and a 3pt bucket by Nicole DeRosier gave ART U a 33-27 advantage with 17:22 left on the clock. The Urban Knights shot 37.9% in the second half and were 10-12 from the free throw line. ART U had never trailed in the second half and were on their way to their first victory of the season. But, just like the end of the first half, Lorin Hammer knocked down a fade away jumper with 1.4 seconds remaining on the clock to send the game into overtime.

In extra time, freshman Madeline “Maddie” Martin helped keep the Urban Knights' hopes alive. The freshman knocked down two big three's coupled with a steal to keep the Urban Knights within striking distance. “Maddie stepped up and made a difference for us. She gives tremendous effort and makes plays. It was easy to use her as an example to the team of what it means to play with no fear and compete,” said Head Coach Lindsey Yamasaki. However, missed opportunities down the stretch kept ART U shy of the victory as they dropped the match 69-73.

For the Golden Eagles, Lacy Ramon finished with a game high 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Lorin Hammer was next on the team with 19 points. She was 7-12 from the field and 3-8 from downtown. Alisha Belt chipped in with 18 points and was 7-10 from the floor.

For the Urban Knights, Devin London had a team high 18 points, three assists, one steal, and was 5-5 from the free throw line. “Devin has the ability to make an impact for our team and tonight was a taste of how much she can give. I am proud of her for taking on the level of responsibility she has. The more comfortable she becomes, the more I believe she will be a great leader for this team,” said Yamasaki. Nicole DeRosier and Martin each chipped in with 11 points, while Martin added seven steals and four assists. Verity Peets finished the game with a double-double, 12 points and 11 rebounds.

“It is early and this team is still learning and growing as a unit. We will learn from this and be better for it in the end,” Yamasaki said.

ART U returns to the court next weekend when they travel to Chico, CA to take part in the Carl's Jr. Classic hosted by Cal State LA.