Explosive Fourth Quarter Propels Firebirds Past Lions in ECC Showdown

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y.- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team found themselves back in the winners circle amidst a 63-48 take down of conference rivals Molloy University on the Queasly Gymnasium Court. The Firebirds improved to 3-2 in conference play while the Lions slipped to 2-4. 

With a thin bench, multiple Firebirds stepped up to contribute to the comeback victory. Destiny Ryles stuffed the stat sheet, playing all 40 minutes, posting a game high 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals. Tori Williams was just one rebound shy of a double-double scoring 14 points and pulling down nine rebounds, while also making three blocks and a steal. Halia Ellis and Latavia Jackson rounded out double-figure scoring for the Firebirds scoring 12 and 11 points each. Aiyana Ellis pulled down a team high 10 rebounds and Janiya Smith came off the bench to add six points. 

It was a slow offensive start for both teams with neither able to make it in the double-figures in the first quarter. The Lions managed to pull out a 21 point second quarter taking the 23-19 lead going into half time. 

Coming out of half-time, UDC was a completely different team on the offensive end, scoring 18 points to open a 37-34 going into the last quarter, which turned out to be their best. UDC went 8-14 from the field and 2-3 from behind the arc to tally 26 points to open a 15 point lead and walk away with the victory. 

The Firebirds shot at 36.4% from the field while holding the home team to just 27.7%. Both teams pulled down 44 rebounds but a difference maker for the Firebirds was that they had fewer turnovers (18-21) and converted more points off turnovers (24-17). 

Next Up, UDC (8-8, 3-2 ECC) is back at home as they look to host Queens College on Saturday at 1:00 PM.