Firebirds Defeat Regionally Ranked Wildcats 68-47, in Conference Match up

WASHINGTON, DC- Latavia Jackson and Destiny Ryles combined for 39 points, to lead UDC to victory over Daemen University, Saturday afternoon at the E.B Henderson Sports Complex Gymnasium. This marks the Firebirds first win over Daemen since the 2016-17 season. The Firebirds wrap up the first half of conference play with a 5-3 record and is currently in a three way tie with Daemen and D'Youville for third place. 

Jackson led all scorers with 23 points, going 10-19 from the field. She also filled up the stat sheet with eight rebounds, five assists, five steals and a block. Ryles was not too far behind posting 16 points, a team high nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Tori Williams and Aiyana Ellis combined for 14 rebounds, 14 points and three blocks.

Jackson put the Firebirds on the scoreboard, knocking down the first four points. After trading shots with the Wildcats, UDC took a four point lead into the second quarter. The second quarter, saw the Firebirds defense turn up the heat, holding the Wildcats offense to just six points. Halia Ellis led the offense knocking down two from downtown to score six points, and Kensley Benjamin came off the bench to add five. The Firebirds opened up a 16 point lead going into the big break. 

The Wildcats rallied in the third quarter to outscore UDC 16-9, bringing the deficit down to just nine going into the last stretch. 

The home team turned back up the heat in the fourth quarter knocking down a game high 21 points and held the visitors to just nine. UDC forced seven turnovers while only turning the ball over three times. The Wildcats were unable to slow down the Firebird offense, as they slid right past the defense going coast to coast and cashing in at the bank.

The Firebirds shot at 46.4% while holding the Wildcats to 33.3%. They were able to secure more boards (38-32), had fewer turnovers (16-20) and converted more points of turnovers (23-9). 

Next Up, UDC (10-9, 5-3 ECC) heads to Sparkhill, N.Y on Wednesday, to kick off the second half of conference play against St Thomas Aquinas College. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM.