Late Firebirds Rally Not Enough in 70-65 Loss at Post

WATERBURY, CT – The University of the District of Columbia women's basketball team cut a 15-point 4^th quarter deficit to four, but never got any closer than that as the Firebirds were defeated by host Post University in East Region non-conference play Tuesday night at the Drubner Center.

UDC fell to 2-3 overall with the loss while Post, a member of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC), picked up its first win of the season to improve to 1-3.

The Firebirds out-rebounded Post, 35-32, committed 10 less turnovers (22-12) and cashed in for 19 points off turnovers, and they doubled-up the Eagles in 2^nd chance points, 12-6. Still, Post led from wire to wire as a result of a 55-percent to 34-percent field goal shooting disparity and better shooting at the foul line (64-percent to 59-perent).

The hosts raced out to a 10-0 lead and never looked back. Taylor Ceballos shot 4-for-4 from the field for eight points in the opening quarter, and the Eagles, who collectively shot 75-percent from the field, soared to a 19-9 lead at period's end.

UDC still struggled to find its offense in the 2^nd quarter, only managing 12 more points to its first half total on 4-of-17 from the field. The Firebirds did, however, hold Post to only 13 points in that quarter on 5-of-11 from the field, keeping within striking distance, down 32-21 at halftime.

Scoring was still not coming easy in the 3^rd quarter, but a 10-6 rebounding edge and five forced turnovers helped UDC draw even in 3^rd quarter scoring with 18 points per-team. The Firebirds shot 6-of-21 from the field and 5-of-6 free-throws while Post made 5-of-10 field goals and 8-of-9 from the foul line. The Eagles led, 50-39 heading into the final period.

Post out-scored UDC 6-2 in the first three-and-a-half minutes of the 4^th quarter to extend its lead to the largest margin of the night, 56-41. Still a 15-point Firebird deficit past the 5:30 mark, Danielle Harrington converted a layup that sparked a 16-5 UDC surge which propelled the Firebirds within four, 63-59 with 46 seconds remaining in the game.

Down the stretch, however, Post made 7-of-10 free-throws, and UDC's late rally ultimately fell short.

UDC senior guard Mia-Alexis Lloyd tied for the game-high with 17 points while also hauling in a team-best six rebounds. Danielle Harrington added 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Post, meanwhile, featured four double-figure scorers, including reserve Lauren Chambers' 17 points on 3-of-6 FG and 11-of-14 FT. Ceballos added 14 points and six rebounds, Melanie Polanco pitched in 12 points, five rebounds and two steals, and Mia Crooms registered 11 points and six rebounds.

The Firebirds now have eight days off before their next contest on Wednesday, November 28^th when they visit Millersville University. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.