Powered By Team Scoring and Multiple Double-Doubles, Firebirds Soar to Convincing Victory Over the Saints

BUFFALO, N.Y.- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team defeated the D'Youville Saints in their first-ever meeting, Friday evening at the College Center Gym. Tori Williams, Aiyana Ellis, and Latavia Jackson all posted double-doubles to lead the charge, improving UDC's record to 9-8, 5-3 in the conference while watching the Saints fall to 7-8, 2-7 in league play.

Despite having a slim bench, all seven Firebirds managed to get on the scoreboard to power their way to an 85-59 victory over the Saints. Williams posted her fourth double-double of the season leading all scorers with a season-high 19 points while grabbing 13 rebounds and a game-high five blocks. Ellis dropped her second double-double of the season scoring 11 points, a game-high 16 boards while making three blocks. After a month's hiatus, Jackson came back to pack the stat sheet contributing 10 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Destiny Ryles put up 10 points and had a game-high five steals, and Halia Ellis rounded out starting contributions with seven points and a game-high six assists. Kensley Benjamin and Janiya Smith both came off the bench to put up big numbers netting a season-high of 17 and 11 points respectively. 

After slightly edging out the home team by two points in the opening quarter, UDC was overtaken by D'Youville after a last-minute run that resulted in a 36-32 lead going into the half. The visiting Firebirds would completely dominate in the second half outscoring the Saints 24-9 in the third and 29-14 in the fourth quarter. 

The Firebirds shot at 47.7% from the field while holding D'Youville to 27.9% and outrebounded them 54-47. UDC's bench contributed 28 points compared to the Saints 18, had more points off turnovers, more points in the paint, more fast breakpoints, and more assists.

UDC (9-8, 5-3 ECC) will finish up their road trip on Sunday afternoon as they head to compete against Daemen College for the first time this season. Tip-off time is set for 12:00 pm and will be live-streamed on the ECC network.