Senior guard Mia-Alexis Lloyd matched her season high of 23 points Wednesday night
Senior guard Mia-Alexis Lloyd matched her season high of 23 points Wednesday night

Clutch Three Pointer Seals 66-63 Victory for the Firebirds

WASHINGTON, DC – Back home for the first time in 14 days, the University of the District of Columbia women's basketball team defeated the University of Bridgeport Purple Knights Wednesday night to improved their home record to 6-3.

The Firebirds never trailed in the game and were excellent from deep scoring 43 percent (6-of-14) of their shots from behind the three point line. The Firebirds were led by senior guard Mia-Alexis Lloyd who matched her season-high with 23 points, nine of which came in the fourth quarter. UDC started the game strong with a 10-2 run during the first five minutes of the game.The Purple Knights were led by Kayla Hill and Briana Stoddart who scored 20 and 15 points respectively.

Two other Firebirds finished the game in double figures. Junior guard Tyra Coombs was perfect from the field scoring 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds.  Sophomore guard Maya Thomas finished the game with 11 points and two blocks. Mia-Alexsis Lloyd continued to lead the Firebirds in the second quarter scoring eight points and six of the Firebirds first ten points. Tyra Coombs scored five points to help the firebirds stay ahead and go into halftime with a 38-31 lead. In the third quarter both teams stepped up defensively with 21 total points combined scored by both teams. Senior forward Patricia Albert anchored the Firebird defense in the third quarter scoring four points and finishing the quarter with five rebounds, two steals, and a block. She finished the game with six points and 13 rebounds.

UDC went on a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter and extend their lead to 55-44 with eight minutes left after a free throw from senior guard Natasha Roy.  The Purple knights would come back with a 9-2 run of their own, started by a layup from Samnell Vonleh. Neither team scored after that until Samnell Vonleh with 3:07 left on the clock made two free throws to tie the game. Mia-Alexis Lloyd slashed to the basket off a pick for a layup allowing her to put the Firebirds backup two points. It only took Kayla Hill 18 seconds to answer back with a open middle range jumper from the top of the key. Mia-Alexis Lloyd  drew a foul with 2:16 left on the clock and made both free throws. A layup by Briana Stoddart tied the game with 1:29 left. The Purple Knights would again send Mia-Alexis Lloyd to the line to make both free throws. She was the epitome of clutch with a perfect 5-of-5 from the line in the fourth quarter. A layup by Briana Stoddart tied the game with 1:29 left. The Purple Knights would again send Mia-Alexis Lloyd to the line were she would make both free throws. Through tough defense the Firebirds force a missed shot with a chance to ice the game. Kayle Hill of the Purple Knights intercepted a pass with 17 seconds left allowing Gianna Gotti to make the game-tying shot. The clock counting down forced UDC to change to an uptempo offense. Natasha Roy sprinted down the court after inbounding the ball and attempted to penetrate the paint, but was stopped by an oncoming defender. She spotted an open teammate and passed it to Maya Thomas who with no hesitation made a spot up three from the top of the key to give the Firebirds a three point lead with eight seconds left. After a time out the Purple Knights would take a three that bounced off the rim before Patricia Albert grabbed the rebound as time expired sealing the win for the Firebirds.

The Firebirds will travel to Dobbs Ferry, NY for an ECC matchup vs Mercy College on February 2nd Tip-off is at 12:00 p.m.