Eason Shines With Career-High 30 Points and Smith Reaches 1000 Career Points in Victory Over Staten Island

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Dist. Columbia (8-14, 4-8 ECC) defeated Staten Island (8-17, 4-9 ECC), 71-61, at the Sports & Recreation Center. The Firebirds capitalized on 23 turnovers from the Dolphins, converting them into 18 points, and outscored its opponent with 38 points from the bench. Despite a strong fourth-quarter effort by Staten Island, Dist. Columbia's balanced scoring and defense secured the victory.

The game began with a competitive first quarter as both teams exchanged leads. Dist. Columbia jumped out early with Nhaikyia Smith scoring a jumper at 9:14 to establish a 2-0 lead. This game was particularly significant for Smith, as she came in needing 15 points to reach her 1000th career point milestone, and she hit exactly that mark. Staten Island responded with free throws from Shonyae Edmonds, closing the gap to 6-3 with 5:08 remaining. Aliyah Eason's three-pointer at 3:19 pushed the Firebirds' lead to 11-7. Eason later added another three-pointer with 56 seconds left, closing the quarter with the Firebirds holding an 18-14 advantage.

In the second quarter, Le'Asia Todd initiated the scoring with a layup just two seconds in, bringing the score to 20-14. Eason then extended the lead with a three-pointer at 7:19, assisted by Maya Johnson. The Dolphins responded with a series of baskets, including a three-pointer by Giuliana Dito at 5:30, reducing the deficit to one point. UDC regained momentum with a jumper from Dashani Coleman at 1:14, ending the quarter with a 29-24 advantage. The visiting team capitalized on the Dolphins' turnovers, securing four steals in the quarter.

The third quarter saw UDC pull ahead with a 22-7 scoring advantage over the Dolphins. Todd led the way early with a steal and fast-break layup at 9:40, followed by Calista Gaymon's three-point play at 8:56. The Dolphins managed just two field goals in the quarter, struggling with turnovers and going 2-for-14 from the field. Eason contributed significantly for the visitors, hitting two three-pointers, including one at 3:46 that extended the lead to 45-29. The Firebirds' defense forced seven turnovers, while the Dolphins were limited to seven points in the quarter.

Staten Island surged in the final quarter, connecting on 11 of 15 field goals, including a three-pointer by Dana Phelan at 7:01, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Kyra Rose contributed with multiple free throws, narrowing the gap, but UDC maintained control. Eason played a crucial role, hitting a three-pointer with 5:04 left and converting several free throws down the stretch. Despite the Dolphins' strong offensive performance in the paint, the Firebirds held on for a 71-61 victory.

Eason led UDC with a career-high 30 points, connecting on six 3-pointers and making six of eight free throws. Smith added 15 points and recorded four steals. Todd contributed with five blocks and seven rebounds, including six defensive boards. Kristian Harris distributed the ball effectively, posting five assists and tallying five rebounds.

Their next game will take place on the road against Roberts Wesleyan on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.