UDC Blasts Columbia Union 83-48

Washington, DC :January 31, 2009—With win number 17 in the book, the 18th ranked University of the District of Columbia Firebirds Women’s Basketball Team added another game to its win streak tonight, making it 11 in a row, and giving them a 17-2 season record. UDC defeated Columbia Union College, 83-48, in the Physical Activities Center, as the No. 1 ranked HBCU Division II school looked to enhance its position in the Atlantic Region.

Sophomore center Lillian McGill (Sumter, SC) led the Firebirds to the win with 14 points and nine rebounds, followed by freshman forward Stacy Griffith (Fredericksburg, VA) with 13 points and three rebounds. Joining them in double figures were senior guard LaQuanda Brandon (Washington, DC) with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists, and junior guard Nicole Cooper (Fort Washington, MD) with 10 points , two rebounds and two assists.

It was mostly UDC from the start of the game, as Columbia Union fell further and further behind, going into the half-time break down by 35 points (53-18). The Pioneers improved their second half performance, equaling the number of points scored by the Firebirds (30 apiece), but it was not enough to overcome the first half deficit.

UDC shot 52 percent (34 for 66) from the field, 31 percent (4 for 13) from beyond the arc, and 61 percent (11 of 18) from the charity stripe as they sent the Pioneers down to defeat. Three Pioneers were in double figures, led by freshman forward Aida Gueye with 14 points. Junior guard Kayla Harrison followed with 12 points, and junior guard Michelle Rice added 11 points. Columbia Union is winless for the season, dropping to 0-20 after tonight’s loss.

UDC returns to action Monday, February 2, against Cheyney University in Pennsylvania.