Strong Team Effort Propels Firebirds to 84-66 Victory Over Wolves

CHEYNEY, PA- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team picked up a road win after defeating Cheyney University 84-66, Saturday afternoon at the Alfred Cope Hall.

Five Firebirds scored in the double-figures and three registered double-doubles. Halia Ellis led the Firebirds with 20 points, knocking down a season, and game high six three pointers. Destiny Ryles packed the stat sheet with 18 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and three steals. Latavia Jackson pulled down a season and team high 15 rebounds and 13 points. Kensley Benjamin posted her first double-double of her collegiate career on 13 rebounds and 11 points and Tori Williams grabbed ten rebounds and added 14 points. 

A tight, back and forth first quarter saw the Wolves take the one point lead to close out the first ten minutes. Second quarter saw the Firebirds take flight, powered by Ellis's 14 points off 4-7 from behind the arc shooting, to open up a 12 point lead going into the half.

That lead grew to as much as 25 points with 2:37 points remaining in the third. The home team fought back in the fourth but the visiting Firebirds were able to pull away with the 18 point win.

UDC shot at 44.9% compared to Cheyney's 38.3% from the field. They outrebounded the Wolves 53-27 and despite having more turnovers (21-15), had more points in the paint 42-28.

Next up, UDC (6-6, 2-1 ECC) will take on Southern Connecticut State on the 29th in another non-conference road match. Tip-off time is set for 1:00 PM.