Ryles Scores Game High 24 Points to Lead UDC to Victory Over Wilmington

NEWARK, DEL.- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team defeated Wilmington (Del.) 76-42, in their season opener, Friday night at the WU Athletic Complex. The Firebirds improved to 1-0 on the season and the Wildcats fell to 0-1.

Three Firebirds scored in the double-figures, with Destiny Ryles leading the way with a game high 24 points and six steals. Latavia Jackson and Aiyana Ellis added 13 points apiece and Jackson grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, just missing out on double-double. Kensley Benjamin and Shanell Haskins came off the bench to add eight and seven points, respectfully. 

UDC got out to an early lead scoring the first six points of the first quarter, extending the deficit to as much as 12 points. It was a low scoring second quarter as both teams came out pretty even with 10 points, but the Firebirds remianed on top taking the 32-24 lead into the half. 

Coming off the break UDC took flight scoring 22 points in the third and fourth quarters. Jackson opened up scoring with a couple of made free throws and went on to score a team high nine points in the third. Benjamin lit up in the fourth quarter, scoring all eight of her points to lead the field. 

The Firebirds shot at 49.2% from the field going 30-61 from the field. They had 36 points off turnovers compared to the Wildcats two. Wilmington edged UDC in rebounds 37-36, and assists 12-10. UDC also led with 56 points in the paint compared to WU's 16. 

Next up, UDC (1-0, 0-0 ECC) will face off against Goldey-Beacom tomorrow at noon.