Early Fouls Hurt Firebirds in a 79-57 Lost

WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia women's basketball team lost a tough game 79-57 to NYIT in ECC conference action Saturday afternoon at the UDC Gym.

The Firebirds (5-10) suffered from early fouls, committing 11 fouls in the first half.

The Bears 2nd in the ECC, dominated defensively causing 22 turnovers and drawing 19 fouls.

Three Firebird scorers finished the game in double-figures despite poor overall shooting. and a offense spearheaded by great three point shooting display. Sophomore guard Maya Thomas led the Firebirds in scoring with a career best 20 points (7-of-16) and five rebounds in just her second start.

The Firebirds were exceptional on the boards Saturday afternoon out rebounding the Bears 37-33. All nine Firebird players who saw action today grabbed at least one rebound and entered the scoring column. Junior guard Tyra Coombs earned her 2nd double-double of the season with a game high 10 rebounds and 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting.

Senior guard Natasha Roy did most of her damage in the 2nd half scoring eight points of a perfect 2-of-2 from three and 2-of-2 from the line to go with two rebounds.  UDC scored the first basket of the game on a three pointer by Tyra Coombs to take a 3-0 lead. NYIT answered back with their own three pointer from Shalie Frierson to start a NYIT 9-0 run. Maya Thomas would end the run with her first three pointer of the game. Meg Knollmeyer on the next possession stole the ball and scored on a fast break layup allowing the Bears to go on a 13-5 run to end the quarter.

In the 2nd quarter the Bears pulled a little further stretching the lead to 41-25. NYIT made the most of their chances at the line going 12-of-16 compared to the Firebirds who only had one chance going 0-of-2 from the line in the 1st half.  NYIT were led by Shalie Frierson who had 13 points in the 1st half and Tiara Place who added 12 points to help the Bears stay ahead.

A pair of three pointers from Maya Thomas and Natasha Roy would take the lead down to a 11 point 42-31 game. The two team would exchange baskets before a Corinn Baggs three pointer and a pair of free throws would start a NYIT 11-0 run that extend to the end of the quarter for a 61-40 lead. The Firebirds continued to fight in the 4th quarter after a pair of free throws by Tyra Combs to go on a 6-0 run that would last 3:40.

Next up, the Firebirds will stay at home for a contest vs Molloy College on Wednesday, January 16th at 5:00 p.m.