Firebirds Defeat the Mavericks 65-51 to Wrap Up the Regular Season

WASHINGTON, DC- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team defeated Mercy college 65-51 to secure their ninth conference victory and wrap up the regular season with a home game win. The Firebirds improved to 13-14, 9-9 ECC on the season while the Mavericks fell to 11-15, 9-9 in conference play.

Latavia Jackson led all scorers with 21 points going 7-14 from the field, 5-5 from the foul line, and 2-4 from behind the arc. Destiny Ryles posted 14 points and Tori Williams came off the bench to contribute 11 points. 

The Firebirds got off to a slow start with the Mavericks outscoring them 20-14 in the first half but fought their way back to tie the game 28-28 going into halftime. 

The second half was all Firebirds as they outscored the Mavericks in both quarters pulling away to a 14 point lead to secure their victory. 

UDC shot at 34.3% while holding Mercy to 30.5%. The Firebirds outshot the Mavericks 30-14 in the paint and outrebounded them 50-39. This win marks the most overall wins (13) under Head Coach Nakpodia and the most conference wins (9) in a season.

The Firebirds (13-14, 9-9 ECC) will head to N.Y. on Wednesday, March 2nd to face off against the No. 3 seed St Thomas Aquinas College in the quarterfinals. The Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm and will be live-streamed on the ECC Network.