Women's Basketball | 11/26/2011 3:18:00 PM

Box Score [Box score]

ST. GEORGE, Utah -  The Academy of Art scored five points in the final 23 seconds to upset the Western Oregon women's basketball team 61-59 on Saturday (Nov. 26) at the Dixie State Thanksgiving Tournament.

Western Oregon (0-6) led 59-56 after a layup by Jade Haas with 58 seconds remaining. The Wolves then made a series of miscues opening the door for AA (3-2). First, WOU missed a breakaway lay-up then committed a foul on the rebound sending the Urban Knights to the line for two free throws. After hitting one of two at the charity stripe AA was able to steal the Wolves' inbound pass after a couple of fouls and convert a three-point play to go up one (60-59) with 17 seconds on the clock. WOU had one more chance to win or tie the game but turned the ball over to allow Academy of Art to snatch the win.

“We just aren't in-sync as a team,” said Western Oregon head coach Greg Bruce. “We just couldn't get it done. We have to be more mentally tough as a team.”

Rylee Peterson came through with a season-high 26 points. She hit 9-of-17 shots from the field, including three from long range.  Melissa Fowler pulled down 10 rebounds to help the Wolves outrebound the Urban Knights 45-35. Alisa Griggs paced Academy of Art with 21 points and eight rebounds.

Western Oregon will return to action on Thursday, Dec. 1, when they host Central Washington at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, purchase online or call the WOU ticket office at 503-838-8449.