Broncos Snap Firebirds Win Streak with 69-62 Defeat

Fayetteville, NC: January 24, 2011-- After riding a 5 game win streak, the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds Women's Basketball Team faltered tonight and fell to the Fayetteville State University Broncos, 69-62, at the Capel Arena in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Firebirds led 33-27 at the break, but the Broncos came storming back in the second half, outscoring them 42-29. UDC fell to 12-7 overall, while Fayetteville improved to 5-11.

The Firebirds used a 9-0 run in the first half to stretch their lead to 10, ignited by a 3-pointer by junior guard Jamilia Bonner (Accounting-Mobile, AL) before ending the half with a 6 point lead on 44 percent (14-32) shooting from the field.

The second half was a different game as the Broncos stiffened their defense, holding UDC's leading scorer Lillian Mc Gill (Criminal Justice-Sumter, SC) to a total of 8 points, with 7 of them coming in the first half, McGill still managed to pull down a game-high 13 rebounds. The Broncos defensive plan against UDC's leading scorer worked to perfection, preventing her from scoring in double figures, while Tiffany Haywood was able to go on a second half 15 point scoring spurt.

UDC shot 39 percent (25-64) from the field for the game, to FSU's 38 percent (24-64), but personal fouls and free-throw shooting made the difference in the game. The Firebirds were assessed 21 fouls and converted 63 percent (10-16) of their free-throws, compared to 17 fouls committed by the Broncos, 75 percent ( 18-24) of which were converted into points.

Fayetteville controlled the boards, pulling down 46 rebounds to UDC's 39. The Broncos bench also outscored the Firebirds bench 36-34.

Only two Firebirds reached double digit scoring, led by Bonner with 14 points, followed by junior guard Kendra Johnson (Mass Media-Mt. Laurel, NJ) with 10 points. Haywood led all scorers with 19 points, making 7 of 10 two-point field goals. Joining her in double digits were LaQuasha Jordan with 12 points and Amanda Sinclair with 10.

The Firebirds have a week off  before facing the King College Tornadoes in Bristol, Tennessee on February 3. They defeated King, 66-62, on January 8, at home.