University of the District of Columbia Women’s Basketball Holds On To Beat Virginia Union 79-77. Firebirds Advance To 5-0 On the Season.

University of the District of Columbia Women's Basketball Holds On To Beat Virginia Union 79-77.  Firebirds Advance To 5-0 On the Season.

Washington, DC – The University of the District of Columbia Women's Basketball Team defeated Virginia Union 79-77 at home today in the UDC Gym.  The Firebirds had extremely balanced scoring with five players score in double figures on the afternoon.  With the win the Firebirds continue their exceptional start and advance to 5-0 on the season.  With the loss, the Panthers drop to 1-4 on the year.

UDC was paced by junior guard Jamilia Bonner (Mobile, AL – Williamson HS) who tallied 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals on the day.  Senior guard Lauren Brittingham (Washington, DC – Oxon Hill/Potomac High School) chipped in 10 points, while senior guard Jasmine Rich (Willingboro, New Jersey - Willingboro HS) tallied 12 points.  Senior captain forward Dohnay Banice (Wilmington, DE - Williamson HS) had a double-double for the Firebirds scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 boards.  Freshman guard Denikka Brent (Chesapeake, VA - Booker T. Washington HS) had a very productive and balanced effort with 10 points and 8 rebounds.

Despite their 1-3 record coming in to today's contest, the Virginia Union Panthers gave UDC all they could handle on the day.  The game started out with both teams exchanging baskets for the first several possessions.  The Firebirds then went on a run taking a 22 – 12 lead at the 12:41 mark.  Virginia Union hung around, though, keeping the score close for the remainder of the half.  The Firebirds held a paltry three point lead headed into the locker rooms for halftime 39-36.  The Panthers rallied in the start of the second to take the lead 44 – 43 at the 17:31 mark.  The score remained tight up until the 1:30 mark when UDC held a 72 – 71 lead.  The Firebirds then went on a five point run to take a 77 – 71 lead that proved to be the difference.  UDC was able to hold on from there to capture the victory 79 – 77.

UDC Head Coach Lester "Jay" Butler had this to say about the game, "It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win.  For the most part, we played hard today.  We did some good things, but we need to just keep getting better.  Quick turnaround with Bowie State, so we have to put this behind us and get ready for a game in two days."

UDC Women's Basketball returns to action on Monday as they take on traditional rival Bowie State at home at 6:00 pm.