Firebirds Open Conference Play with a 72-69 Victory over the Lions

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y- Freshman guard Destiny Ryles led the entire field with 22 points to help lead the University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team to a victory over Molloy College, Wednesday night at the Quealy Gymnasium. The Firebirds improved to a 4-3, 1-0 ECC record while the Lions fell to 3-4, 0-1 in ECC play.

Ryles erupted for a season-high 22 points packing the stat sheet with six rebounds, five assists, and six steals. Latavia Jackson posted her second double-double of the season with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lions took the early lead with a 5-0 run to the start of the first quarter. A three-point jump shot by Ryles followed by a jumper by Halia Ellis would even out the score. The Firebird's next four points would come from Ryles before Jackson took over going on to score the next seven.

UDC stacked up on defense early causing Molloy to turn over the ball 13 times in the first half, resulting in fast breaks for the Firebird offense and a 38-27 lead going into half-time.

Molloy would have their best quarter in the fourth outshooting UDC 24-15 and bringing their lead down to as little as two points with 15 seconds remaining. Jackson and Ryles sealed the deal, each drawing fouls, with Jackson going 1-2 and Ryles going 2-2 to secure the 72-69 win in a close call.

UDC (4-3, 1-0) will host Bowie State, in a doubleheader on Saturday the 4^th. Women's tip-off is set for 1:00 pm.