Ryles Hits 1,000 Career Milestone in Nail Biter

WEST HAVEN, CONN,- Junior guard, Destiny Ryles posted a game high 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals, en route to hitting her 1,000 career point, against the University of New Haven, Saturday afternoon. She becomes just the 12th Firebird in school history to hit this milestone and the seventh to do it entirely at UDC. In a fight to the finish, the Firebirds eventually fell to the Chargers 63-67 slipping to 11-3 on the season. 

Latavia Jackson was the only other double-digit scorer posting 18 points and five rebounds. Nia Ford added eight points and Tori Williams and Aiyana Ellis each added six. 

Both teams had to shake of slump of the holiday break, as the opening minute was scoreless. The Chargers managed to strike first leading the way for majority of the first quarter, before a jump shot by Williams, followed up by a layup by Ryles gave the visiting Firebirds their first lead of the game with 1:20 remaining. New Haven hit a three-point buzzer beater to take a  two point lead into the second quarter.

The second quarter saw the Firebirds really struggle to get a shot in scoring a game low eight points while dealing with early foul trouble. The Chargers took a six point lead into half-time.

UDC outscored New Haven 20-17 in the third quarter. A three-point jumper from behind the arc by Ford made it a three point game heafing into the final stretch. It was an intense final 10 minutes of play as both teams traded baskets, and the lead. With 49 seconds to go in regulation, Jackson sunk a three pointer to tie the game up at 62. The Chargers however, responded with a three pointer of their own just 20 seconds later, which turned out to be the nail in the coffin.

UDC shot 34.2% from the field, 22.2% from behind the arc and 77.8% from the foul line. New Haven shot 44.4% from the field, 33.3% from the three point line and 66.7% from the charity stripe. The Firebirds were outrebounded 39-44 but were able to force 15 Charger turnovers resulting in 13 fastbreak points. 

Up next, UDC (11-3, 4-0 ECC) is back in action on January 8th, traveling to Bloomfield College. The game is slated to begin at 5:30 pm.