BOX SCORE

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — A late effort was not enough in the final home game of the season for the Dominican University of California women's basketball team as they fell 80-71 to Pacific West Conference rival Academy of Art University. Graduate guard Tammy Brawner led the Lady Penguins with 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists in her final game at the Conlan Center.

It appeared the Urban Knights (10-14/8-7) were going to run away when they opened the game with a 10-0 run. However, the Lady Penguins (7-18/5-10) responded to the challenge with a run of their own. Led by sophomore forward Melissa Wise's six first-half points, the Lady Penguins outscored AAU 16-12. The Urban Knight lead dwindled to four when Wise hit a baseline jump shot, encouraging AAU Head Coach Lindsey Yamasaki to call a timeout with 8:00 remaining in the half.

After a quick basket by the Urban Knights, senior guard Kelsey Janusch brought Dominican within three with a three-point basket. Shortly after Janusch delivered, and the Lady Penguin defense made key stops, freshman guard Noelle Roldan tied the game at 24 with a three-pointer of her own.

However, the Urban Knights finished the half strong, only allowing another three-point basket by Janusch. To close the half, Academy of Art broke the tie with an 18-3 run and led 42-27 at halftime.

With their last game at Conlan Center, it's fitting for the class to make one final run to open the second half. A 19-7 run brought Dominican back within six of the Urban Knights. Of the 19 points, four Lady Penguins playing in their final home game accounted for 16 of those points.

Unfortunately for Dominican, six points would be the closest they would get to Academy of Art in the second half. Although the Lady Penguins quickly closed the deficit to open the half, the Urban Knights continued their consistent offensive play and stretched the lead to as many as 16 points.

Late in the game, Dominican closed the gap to six twice, including the final points on home court for Brawner, who scored a layup with 28 seconds remaining.

Junior guard Nicole DeRosier led AAU with 19 points. Senior forward and PacWest Player of the Week Jessica Nolan earned a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Four Lady Penguins were honored prior to the game for their contributions to the Dominican women's basketball program. In addition to Brawner and Janusch, forward Shawna Bryant and center Raquel Gomes played their final game on the Dominican campus Friday night. Forward Shelly Clermenco, who was honored last season but regained eligibility due to an injury from her freshman season, also played her final home game.

The Lady Penguins finish the season on Saturday, March 5 at Notre Dame de Namur University. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. In the first meeting of the season, back on Feb. 5, Dominican lost to the Argonauts 73-66. Live video of that game will be broadcast and will be available at www.dominicanathletics.com/livevideo.