Firebirds Rally to Take Down Purple Knights in 69-61 Conference Victory

WASHINGTON, DC- The University of the District of Columbia's women's Basketball team secured their seventh conference win of the season after defeating the University of Bridgeport 69-61 at the Sports Complex Gymnasium. The Firebirds improved to 11-11, 7-6 in league play, on the season, while the Purple Knights fell to 6-13, 3-9 in the conference. 

The Home team featured three double-figure scorers. Destiny Ryles had 13 points, six assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Latavia Jackson came off the bench to also add 13 points while also grabbing three rebounds and two steals. Kensley Benjamin rounded out the double-figure scoring with 12 points. 

The visiting Knights made their way on the scoreboard first while holding the Firebirds scoreless in the opening minutes. Back-to-back jumpers from behind the arc by Halia Ellis and Aiyana Ellis gave UDC their first lead of the game. The Firebirds would take a 36-31 lead going into halftime. 

Despite both teams struggling from the field coming off the break, UDC managed to edge out the Purple Knights, to remain on top never conceding the lead and finishing the game out with a win. 

This win marks the most wins for the program under Head Coach John Nakpodia since taking over back in the 2017-18 season. This conference win is also tied for the most conference victories in a season since 2018-19, under his tenure. 

Next Up the Firebirds (11-11, 7-6 ECC) will head to N.Y.  on Saturday, to face off against Roberts Wesleyan to wrap up their second round of conference play. The game will be live-streamed on the ECC network and is set to begin at 2:00 pm.