Ryles & Benjamin Combine Career High’s to Lead Firebirds to 86-65 Victory over Mavericks

WASHINGTON, DC.- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team soared to an impressive 86-65 victory over league foe, Mercy College, Saturday afternoon at the E.B Henderson Sports Complex gymnasium. The Firebirds split the season series, and improve to 6-4 in league play while the Mavericks fall to 7-3. 

The Firebirds were led by Destiny Ryles and Kensley Benjamin who combined for 52 of their 86 points. Ryles hit a career high 32 points on 46% shooting, while also dishing out game highs of eight assists and six steals. Benjamin came off the bench to hit a season high 20 points after a flawless 7-7 from the field, 4-4 from behind the arc and 2-2 from the free throw line. Latavia Jackson rounded out double-figure scoring with 13 points, while adding five rebounds, four assists and five steals and Aiyana Ellis pulled a game-high rebounds while making four blocks. 

While the first quarter saw a pretty even match up, with both teams shooting at 50% from the field, the Firebirds edged their way to a three point lead going into the second quarter. UDC took flight, holding the Mavericks to just eight points while knocking down 22 of their own, heading into half-time with the 43-26 lead.

Coming off the break, both teams heated up, having their best offensive quarters in the third. The Mavericks cut the deficit down to just 10, with 4:09 to go, but the Firebirds entered another gear  going on a 16-6 run opening back up the lead to 20 going into the final stretch. 

The fourth quarter had both teams once again pretty even on the offense, but UDC's deficit would lead them to the convincing 86-65 win over Mercy.

UDC shot 50% from the field while holding Mercy to 34.5%. The Firebird also shot at a season best 70% from downtown while holding the Mavericks to just 15.8%. The home team forced 21 turnovers, and converted 25 points from said turnovers. Both teams were even in rebounds, pulling 39 apiece. UDC also dominated in the paint, outscoring the Visitors 44-20. 

Next Up, UDC (11-10, 6-4 ECC) will head to Buffalo N.Y next Friday to take on D'Youville University. Tip-off is slated for 6:00PM.