Comeback Stops Just Short
Washington, DC: December 12, 2007--During the early portion of their season, the UDC Lady Firebirds have proven themselves to be a resilient team. That quality was on full display Wednesday night when the Lady Firebirds played the Virginia State Lady Trojans.
Trailing the entire game, UDC fought its way back, forcing overtime before losing 67-66. Lillian McGill, once again, led the charge for the Lady Firebirds, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. This marks McGill’s second straight double-double game and her fifth overall this season.
Deyshia Williams added 16 points and 11 rebounds. Williams played a big role in the Lady Firebirds comeback. Down 60-55 with 1:27 left in the game, Williams scored five quick points, which allowed UDC to tie the game. During an exciting flurry, both team missed opportunities to win the game in regulation.
Overtime was a war of attrition as neither team could get more than a two point lead. However, UDC seemed to gain an advantage when McGill converted a steal into a basket. That gave the Lady Firebirds a 66-65 lead with 44seconds left in overtime. UDC then was able to get a steal, get fouled, and go to the line.
But the free throw line was not kind to the Lady Firebirds. Even during regulation, UDC only made 10 of 18 (56%) attempts. That trend continued as the Lady Firebirds missed all three of their overtime attempts. The final two misses were especially crucial as Virginia State University converted them into the game winning field goal with 12 seconds left. UDC was able to get another shot, but it missed and time expired as the teams scrambled for the rebound.
The fact that UDC was able to send the game to overtime speaks to the heart of this team. Despite shooting 33% (26-79) and only 16% (4 of 25) from the three point line, the Lady Firebirds forced 19 turnovers which helped to keep them in the game.
UDC now has a couple of days off before getting back into action on Saturday. They will face the Mt. Olive Lady Trojans at UDC at 1 PM.