Cooper Scores 19 Points in, 75-51, Win over Apprentice
Washington, DC: February 21, 2010-Today was Senior Day at the University of the District of Columbia's Women's Basketball game; a point not lost on senior guard Nicole Cooper (Fort Washington, MD) as she scored 19 points (5-13 three pointers) to pace the Firebirds to a, 75-51, win over The Apprentice School Builders. Cooper was one of three seniors concluding their college playing careers today and adding to her stats that will probably enhance her standing as one of the elite 3-point shooters in the country. She is currently ranked 63rd nationally among NCAA Division II schools in 3-point field goal percentages.
Tiffany Church (Norfolk, VA) and Tamara Watkins (Penns Grove, NJ) were the other two seniors honored by the University during half-time ceremonies. Watkins scored 9 points, 7 rebounds 3 assists, 3 blocks and 4 steals in her final performance, while Church added 5 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. The seniors went away in style.
The Builders made a, 9-17, run to open the game as the Firebirds got off to a very slow start, but eventually found the bottom of the bucket to gain the lead on a three-point shot by sophomore guard Jasmine Rich (Willingboro, NJ) at 5:29 into the game. They led from that point on, building an 11-point lead going into the break, shooting 47 percent from the field to Apprentice's 44 percent.
The Firebirds turned up the heat in the second half, building a 24 point lead while outscoring Apprentice 35-22 to take the win. Junior guard Lillian McGill (Sumter, SC), ranked 6th nationally in rebounds, added to her percentages today as she recorded her 18th double double of the season, scoring 13 points and pulling down 17 boards. Freshman guard Marketa Salley (Capitol Heights, MD) added 8 points to the tally.
UDC shot 41 percent (30-72) from the field, 37 percent (10-27) from beyond the arc and 63 percent (5-8) from the charity stripe for the game, to Apprentice's 39 percent, 20 percent and 68 percent. UDC controlled the boards, converting second chance opportunities into 21 points. The Firebird bench outscored Apprentice's 23 to 6.
Shameka Warren, one of three Builders in double figures, led their scoring with 14 points, 7 boards, 1 assist and 1 block. Jasmine Pringle followed with 11 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 1 steal. Ashley Johnson added 10 points, 4 boards and 2 assists.
UDC (12-13) finished their regular season today, and will return to action in the Independent Schools Tournament on March 5, at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.