Firebirds Upset Conference Preseason Favorite Spartans, with 68-58 Victory

WASHINGTON, DC- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team defeated St Thomas Aquinas College in their conference opener 68-58, Wednesday night at the E.B Henderson Sports Complex Gym. The Firebirds improved to 4-3 on the season and 1-0 in conference play, while the Spartans fell to 5-2, 0-1 in the league.

All seven Firebirds made their way on the scoreboard, with four scoring in the double-figures. Destiny Ryles led the way, falling just short of a triple-double with a game high 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Latavia Jackson was up next with 16 points, and a team high three steals. Shanell Haskins added 14 points and Janiya Smith came off the bench to add a season high 10 points. Tori Williams also had a team high 10 rebounds and a block.

While the Firebirds got on the scoreboard first, the Spartans led majority of the first half taking a one point lead going into the break. 

STAC started to pull away from UDC, coming off half-time, opening an eight point lead. Smith knocked down a clutch 3-pointer and made a couple free throws to pair up with Jackson's eight points to force a tie going into the last stretch.

The Firebirds had their best offensive quarter in the fourth, outscoring the preseason favorites 26-16. Ryles led the way scoring 15 of her 23 points to lead UDC to their first conference victory of the season.

UDC led in most team statistics, shooting at 37.5% from the field while holding the STAC to 32.8%. They also outrebounded the visitors 47-41 and converted more points on turnovers 14-9.

Next Up, UDC (4-3, 1-0 ECC) will head to N.Y. on Saturday, to face off against conference foe, Mercy College. Tip-off is set for noon.