Free Throws Help Firebirds Secure a 71-62 Victory on the Road

Flushing, NY – The University of the District of Columbia women's basketball team held off Queens College to earn a 71-62 victory at Fitzgerald Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

The Firebirds (7-10), winners of their last two games played well saturday afternoon outscoring Queens College in 3-of-4 quarters.

The Firebirds had a strong balanced attack with four starters finishing in double-figures. The Firebirds shot 40 percent from the field while holding the Knights to 35 percent shooting. The knights held an advantage in rebounds(42-40), points off turnovers(19-3) and second chance points(20-9).

The Firebirds were almost perfect from the free throw line shooting 19-of-20. No one made more free throws than senior guard Natasha Roy who went 7-of-7 from the line and 3-of-7 from the field to score 16 points while dishing off four assists. Fellow senior guard Mia-Alexis Lloyd also performed well. She almost earned a double-double grabbing eight rebounds to go with 14 points and three assists.

The Firebirds went into the second quarter with a 20-17 lead. Sophomore guard Maya Thomas took over in the second quarter scoring half of UDC's points. She scored eight of her 15 points in the second quarter on 3-of-5 shooting. The Firebirds defense was on another level this quarter only allowing nine points on 25 percent shooting while shooting 50 percent from the field.

Junior guard Tyra Coombs fell two rebounds short of earning her third straight double-double. She scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds. She led the Firebirds in scoring in the third quarter to help them maintain the lead to end the quarter 50-41. The Knights were led by Lucy Tougas with 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Lakeisha Officer performed well for the Knights earning a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds saturday afternoon.The Knights brought the lead down to three points before a jump shot from Senior center Patricia Albert started a 14-4 run to help the Firebirds seal the game.

The Firebirds will look to extend their winning streak in conference play at Roberts Wesleyan on January 25th. Tip off is at 6 p.m.