Firebirds Fall to Conference Leaders, Daemen College

AMHERST, NY - The University of the District of Columbia Women's Basketball team narrowly missed out 61-50 against East Coast Conference leaders, Daemen College on Friday evening.

The Firebirds (7-18, 3-10 ECC), fiercely competed against the Wildcats, and the first quarter was a sign that UDC was ready for a battle as they took a 15-12 lead as freshman Halia Ellis scored six points finishing 18 points on the night. Her efforts were followed by junior Maya Thomas who added 11 points with nine rebounds on the night.

The second quarter saw a much different approach from Daemen; missed opportunities at the start of the quarter by the Firebirds allowed the home side to bring the score closer within reach. But some excellent three point shots by the Wildcats saw them sneak past UDC with a 33-31 lead entering into the third period of the game.

The Conference leaders proved their status in the third as their relentless pace took them to a convincing 49-37 heading into the final quarter.

With the game still within reach for the Firebirds, Alexus King made two neat jump shots to give UDC hope of a comeback. As the score reached 51-46, the home side knocked out any hope of a win for the Firebirds when Daemen hit a three point shot, and from that moment the Wildcats closed the game out to make it 61-50.

The UDC Firebirds will return to action when they visit Roberts Wesleyan College, Sunday, February 23rd at 2PM.