UDC Women Defeat Bowie State, 64-53

Washington, DC: December 10, 2008—The University of the District of Columbia’s Firebirds Women’s Basketball team took charge of their game against across town rival Bowie State University in the opening minutes tonight at the Physical Activities Center, pulling out to a 17 point lead and increasing it to 21 before going into the half time break. Junior point guard Nicole Cooper ( Ft. Washington, MD) paced UDC in the half,  going 3 for 3 from beyond the arc, scoring 11 points, then added 5- second  half points to lead the team to a, 64-53, win.

UDC shot 50 percent (13 for 26) during the first half, while holding Bowie State to 25 percent shooting (6 for 24).  UDC controlled the boards pulling down 21 rebounds and converted 3 of 4 shots from the charity stripe for a 75 percent completion rate. UDC opened the game with a 17-0 run, not allowing Bowie to score until 11:47 into the game, then went on a 17-11 run to end the first half leading 34-13.

The second half was a bit more interesting as Bowie re-grouped and rallied to outscore UDC, 40-30, in the half on 44 percent  (16 for 36) field goal shooting, and 54 percent (7 of 13) from the charity stripe. UDC’s field goal scoring dipped in the second half to 38 percent (8 for 21), but their free throw shooting improved to 79 percent (11 of 14).

Bowie narrowed the score to a 6 point lead with 1:03 remaining in the game, after a series of UDC turnovers and fouls. Bowie then committed five consecutive fouls while attempting to regain possession of the ball that sent UDC players to the charity stripe where they converted 7 shot attempts into points, to give them the win.

UDC made 45 percent (21 for 47) of their field goals, 53 percent (8 for 15) from beyond the arc, and converted 78 percent (14 of 18) of their free throws to claim the victory. Four UDC players were in double figures, led by Cooper, followed by senior guard LaQuanda Brandon (Washington, DC) with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Senior forward Deyshia Williams (Camden, NJ) added her second double-double of the season, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, and senior guard DeVaughn Hailey contributed 11 points and 6 rebounds.

With this win, UDC improves to 7-2 for the season, while Bowie falls to 3-4. UDC will see action again on Sunday, December 14, when they host the Fayetteville State University Broncos. Bowie State will play Indiana University of Pennsylvania on December 12.