UDC Women Drop Philadelphia Sciences, 61-51

Washington, DC: February 14, 2009—In her final home game appearance, senior guard LaQuanda Brandon paced the 18th ranked University of the District of Columbia Firebirds to a, 61-51, defeat of the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Devils at the Physical Activities Center in Washington, DC,  this afternoon. Brandon scored 14 points, grabbed six rebounds and made one assist as she brought her collegiate playing career to an end.

Three other Firebirds were in double figures, including senior guard DeVaughn Hailey with 13 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Also scoring in double figures were junior guard Tamara Watkins, with 12 points and four rebounds, and sophomore center Lillian McGill, who scored 11 points and grabbed three rebounds, while playing 22 minutes, in spite of the fact that she was suffering from the flu.

Philadelphia Sciences got out to an early lead in the first half, opening up as many as an 8 point lead and going into the break leading by 2 points, 27-22, on 53% shooting from the field. UDC started slowly, shooting only 27% in the half.

The second half was a different story as the Firebirds found their range and turned on the heat, outshooting the Devils 50% (14-28) to 40% (8-20). Junior guard Nicole Cooper started the Firebird scoring in the half, draining one of her patented 3-pointers, followed Brandon’s hitting two free throws and Hailey connecting on a three-pointer with 17:04 remaining in the game.

Brandon scored 11 of her 14 points in the second half, while McGill put up 10 of her 11 total points. UDC shot 38% (22-58) from the field for the game, 50% (7-14) from beyond the arc, and 68% (10-15) from the charity stripe. Philadelphia shot 46% (18-39) from the field, 17% (2-12) from three-point range and 87% (13-15) from the free throw line.

UDC had the advantage in bench scoring 29-13, and in second chance points 14-6. The Firebirds also capitalized on Philadelphia’s turnovers, scoring 15 points to 8.

UDC improved their season record to 20-4 with this win, while Philadelphia fell to 12-11. UDC returns to action on February 16, against Columbia Union in Takoma Park, Maryland.