Strong Defense Coupled with Solid Offensive Efforts Secures Firebirds Conference Win over Knights

WASHINGTON, DC- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team secured their fourth conference victory of the season after  defeating Queens College 73-62, Saturday afternoon at the E.B Henderson Sports Complex Gymnasium. The Firebirds improved to 4-2 in league play while the Knights fell to 3-3. 

Latavia Jackson posted a team high 21 points shooting 7-15 from the field while also grabbing 6 rebounds. Tori Williams pulled down a game and career high 16 rebounds to go along with 5 blocks and 12 points. Destiny Ryles and Aiyana Ellis also scored in the double figures with 12 and 10 points each. Kensley Benjamin came off the bench to add nine points and Halia Ellis scored eight points and dished out a team high five assists. 

Jackson got the Firebirds on the scoreboard first after sinking a three pointer a little over 30 seconds in. UDC went on to lead the entire away, scoring their highest points in the second quarter and taking a 14 point lead into the half. Williams also pulled 14 of her 16 rebounds in the first two quarters holding it down for the Firebirds on the defensive end. 

Coming off the break, UDC had their weakest offensive stint in the third quarter, with the Knights out scoring them 11-14. The fourth quarter saw both teams match up evenly in points, scoring 21 apiece.  Jackson, Ryles and Ellis combined for 20 of those points leading the Firebirds to victory. 

While the Knights had the slight edge in FG% (34.8%- 33.3%), the Firebirds forced more turnovers, grabbed more boards and had more second chance points. 

Next Up, UDC (9-8, 4-2 ECC) will head to Rochester, N.Y. for another conference match up against Roberts Wesleyan on Monday at 4pm.