Firebirds in Tight Contest against LIU Post as they lose 85-74

WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia women's basketball team fell short in their final home game in another tight contest Wednesday evening, as the Firebirds lost 85-74 against East Coast Conference challengers LIU Post at the UDC Sports Complex.

The Firebirds were in a constant battle throughout the game with the Pioneers; as they trailed in a close 1st half which ended 42-37. The 2nd half proved much the same as the District of Columbia (4-22, 2-14 ECC) faced a tough LIU Post team who have now won five straight games and showed no signs of letting that slip as they finished the game winning 85-74. 

With the 1st quarter at ending at 18-16, the Firebirds were giving LIU Post plenty to think about. During the  2nd quarter, both teams were fighting for control of the game with freshman guard Daeja Quick at her very best after earning her 5th Rookie of the Week award hitting a three-point shot to tie at 31-31.  Junior guard Mia-Alexis Lloyd followed up with another three-point shot to take the lead 36-34 . At the halfway stage both teams could see themselves taking the win, with the Pioneers taking the half 42-37.
Freshman guard Daeja Quick powered her way to another game leading scorer with 22 points, six assists, and two steals. She was joined by freshman guard Danielle Harrington who scored an impressive 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists. And sophomore Tyra Coombs made another fine performance with a double-double scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals. 

LIU Post was led by senior forward Sasha Patterson who had an outstanding game with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals. She was helped by 2016-17 All-ECC second team sophomore forward Mikaiya Moore who had a total of 16 points and six rebounds to assist the Pioneers in their victory over UDC. 

With LIU Post leading the 2nd half, the Firebirds continued their efforts bring the game back when a crucial three point shot by Tyra Coombs brought the game to within seven points to make it 69-62. However, the Pioneers did not allow a comeback for UDC and managed to hold out the last quarter for the win.

The University of the District of Columbia will face off against ECC foe New York Institute of Technology when they visit Saturday, February 17th at 1PM.