Jackson’s Last Second Jumper Attempt Falls Short as UDC Loses Conference Heartbreaker to Robert’s Wesleyan

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team fell to Roberts Wesleyan College, 64-62, in their second round of conference play, Saturday afternoon. UDC fell to 7-7 in the conference, while RWC improved to 8-6 in conference play.

Latavia Jackson came off the bench to lead the Firebirds offensively with 15 points while grabbing four rebounds an assist and a steal. Destiny Ryles was just shy of a double-double registering 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and four steals. Aiyanna Ellis rounded out the double-figure scoring for the Firebirds with 11 points while also grabbing seven boards, two assists, a steal, and two blocks. 

Prior to this afternoon's game, both the Firebirds and the RedHawks were tied with St Thomas Aquinas for the fourth spot in the ECC standings at a 7-6 record. This loss dropped UDC into the sixth spot.

Both teams matched pretty evenly in field goal percentage, rebounds, and turnovers. But the RedHawks had the slight edge that propelled them to a two-point victory over the visiting Firebirds. The home team took the early lead bringing a 40-32 point lead into halftime. UDC would go on a 15-8 run in the third quarter to make it a one-point game going into the fourth.

A made free throw by Jackson followed by a layup by Ronnasia Blatch-Huggins would give the Firebirds their first lead of the game which they would ride out until back-to-back layups from the home team with just 3:45 to go had them down 55-53.

RWC would go on to extend that lead to eight which had UDC scrambling to get off a shot. A 3 point jumper by Halia Ellis brought the game within five, then another jumper from behind the arc from Kaila Pruitt brought it within three. But the RedHawks put another point between them and the Firebirds with a made free throw by Taryn Wilson.  With just 11 seconds to go Jackson would knock down a clutch 3-pointer to bring the game back to just one point.

The Redhawks would draw another foul to head to the line and knock down another free shot, but UDC would rally to get the ball to Jackson who threw up a jumper at the final second in hopes of forcing an overtime but the shot fell short sealing RWC's 64-62 victory.

UDC (11-12, 7-7 ECC) is back in action tomorrow as they head home to host Daemen College,  at 2:00 pm in the UDC Gymnasium. Spectators are not allowed but the game will be live-streamed on the ECC Network.