Firebirds Fall to Bulldogs 63-70

BOWIE, MD- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team fell 63-70 to cross town rival Bowie State University, Wednesday evening at the A.C Jordan Arena. The Firebirds fell to 2-3 on the season, while the Bulldogs improved to 3-2.

Destiny Ryles led the Firebird offense, racking in a team high 17 points. Aiyana Ellis posted her first double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Shanell Haskins and Latavia Jackson rounded out double-figure scoring with 14 and 12 points respectively. 

UDC opened the gane going on mini 7-3 run, before BSU took control and opened up a six point lead going into the second quarter. The firebirds rallied back to outscore the Bulldogs 16-11, making it a one point game in favor of the home team going into the break.

Coming off half time, UDC struggled offensively posting their lowest scoring quarter of 10 points and falling behind 39-51. Bowie managaed to open up that lead to as much as 19 points, but the Firebirds wouldn't go quietly as they went on a run, closing the defcicit to down to just four, with less than a minute remaining. Back-to-back fouls on the Firebirds sealed their fate as the Bulldogs went on to make six free throws to claim victory.

The Firebirds shot at a higher percentage from the field 39.3% to 37.1% and outrebounded their opponents 42-41. BSU had more bench points 26-3 and sunk more shots behind the arc 8-4. 

Up Next, UDC (203, 0-0 ECC) will host Bloomfield College in their home opener on saturday.