UDC Downs Virginia -WISE, 80-73, In Thanksgiving Classic

Washington, DC :November 28, 2009-- The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds Women's Basketball Team rallied in the second half to defeat the University of Virginia-WISE "Cavs", 80-73, tonight in the UDC Thanksgiving Classic at the Sports Complex. Trailing by 3 at the half-time break, junior guard Tiffany Church (Norfolk, VA), led the Firebird rally to the win with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

 Junior forward Lillian McGill followed with her third double-double performance of the season, scoring 15 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists and making 1 steal. Also in double figures for the Firebirds were senior guard Nicole Cooper (Fort Washington, MD) with 13 points, sophomore forward Stacy Griffith (Fredericksburg, VA) 12 points and 4 rebounds, and freshman guard Marketa Salley ( Capitol, Heights, MD) with 10 points and 4 assists.

 Virginia-WISE substituted liberally in the game, changing their squad often, which appeared to be a strategy to wear the under manned UDC team down. UDC responded by substituting more often. The Firebirds had to overcome a high turnover rate of 24 for the game compared to 14 for Virginia-WISE.

 The teams exchanged leads 4 times in the second half and battled through 2 ties before UDC regained the lead with seconds remaining to take the win.

 Kristin Mullins led the "Cavs" scoring with a game-high 18 points. Amber Carter followed with 13 points as the only other "Cav" in double figures.

 The Thanksgiving Classic continues for UDC on Sunday, November 29, when they take on the Central State University Marauders at 4 p.m.