Jackson Scores 16; UDC Falls to Undefeated Spartans

Washington, D.C.- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team fell to the St Thomas Aquinas Spartans in a conference showdown at the UDC Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon. The Spartans, who are undefeated in the Conference improved to a 16-3, 8-0 ECC record, while the Firebirds fell to 5-14, 2-6 ECC record. 

Freshman Latavia Jackson led the Firebirds with 16 points going 5-11 from the field, 1-2 from behind the arc and 5-6 from the free throw line. Teammate Maya Thomas also contributed double figures scoring 12 points, and grabbing a team high three steals.

With Zaria Thomas leading the field with 26 points (12 of which came from the first quarter) the Spartans were able to pull away from the Firebirds 23-11 going into the second quarter. STAC went 50% from the field while holding UDC to just 23.5%. Jackson led UDC with seven points in the second quarter to help improve their shooting from the field, but the gap made in the first quarter was too much to overcome going into the half.

UDC came out the half upping their defense, to hold STAC at 43.5% shooting from the field while improving to 63.6%. They were also able to grab more boards with Alexus leading the way with 3. Tyra Coombs went a perfect 2-2 from the three-point line to tally six points. 

The last quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, with STAC going 5-12 from the field and UDC going 4-13. In the end the Spartans would come out on top 76-58.

UDC will take a break from Conference play to host Salem on Wednesday, January 29, at 6:00pm.`