UDC Snaps Bowie State’s Home Win Streak with 49-48, Defeat

Bowie, MD: February 14, 2008—Two University of the District of Columbia Lady Firebirds led the team to a, 49-48, win over the Bowie State University Lady Bulldogs, this afternoon in the A.C. Jordan Center, snapping their 10 game home win steak. Senior guard Ashley Alexander (Washington, DC) and sophomore point guard Nicole Cooper (Ft. Washington, MD) scored 12 points apiece to take the win and improve the UDC season record to  16-7.

UDC jumped out to an early lead including a 7-0 run at the 14:07 mark of the first half to take a 15-8 point lead, using a stifling defense that yielded 10 turnover points. A 6-0 run at the 6:21 mark opened up a 16 point lead for the Lady Firebirds before BSU came back to reduce the lead to 11 (33-22) at the break.

The second half saw UDC increase their lead to 13, but Bowie chipped at the lead, scoring after several UDC misses and spotty free throwing. The Lady Bulldogs intensified their defense getting 14 turnover points in the half and using their bench to out score the UDC bench 11-1.

Making a 5-0 run with 9:57 remaining in the game, BSU continued to chip at the lead to bring the score to 46-43 before UDC’s Nicole Cooper drained a 3-pointer to give them a 6 point lead with 1:13 remaining. BSU’s Sherika Thomas made two free throws with 48 seconds remaining to make it 49-48, and Bianca Lee made another free throw to bring the score to within one 49-48 with 43 seconds remaining. The game ended when time expired after missed free throws by each team and two attempts by the Lady Bulldogs. 

Freshman forward Lillian McGill (Sumter, SC) tallied her 12th double- double of the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, and junior guard Devaughn Hailey (Camden, NJ) added 7 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists to the winning effort.

UDC returns to action in their final home regular season game on February 18, on “Senior Night”, against Apprentice School. They will host the National Independent Schools Women’s Basketball Tournament from February 23-26. Eight NCAA Division II independent schools are scheduled to participate in the Tournament.