Williams Leads All Scorers to Push Firebirds Past Griffins

PHILADELPHIA, PA- the University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since the 2014-15 season after defeating Chestnut Hill College 64-60 on the road, Wednesday evening at the Sorgenti Arena.

Tori Williams led all scorers with 26 points shooting at 42.8% from the field. Destiny Ryles was the second leading scorer with 13 points, Aiyana Ellis pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds and Tania Hill made a game-high four blocks.

It was a low scoring first half as both teams struggled from the field. UDC outscored Chestnut Hill 19-7 in the first quarter but the Griffins fought their way back to top the Firebirds 20-9 in the second quarter. UDC took a one point lead into half-time.

UDC bested the home team in the third quarter and had their highest scoring quarter of the game in the fourth with 22 points. 

With 16 seconds remaining in regulation, a jumper from a Chestnut Hill guard made it a one posession game with the Firebirds leading by three. With both teams in the double bonus the next few possessions were a battle of free throws. Freshman Kristian Harris was fouled with 13 seconds to go and went on to knock down two points at the charity stripe. The Griffins were then fouled and knocked down two of their own. Williams sealed the deal with five seconds to go, knocking down 1-2 from the foul line to bring the final score to 64-60.

The Firebirds shot at 26.5% and the Griffins shot at 30.6%. UDC dominated in the paint scoring 26 points to Chestnut Hill's 20 and, forced 21 turnovers while turning the ball over 14 times. 

Up next, UDC (3-0) will host cross town rival, Bowie State University in their first home game of the season this Saturday. Tip-off is set for 2:00pm.