Firebirds Fumble in Nail-Biting Loss to the Bears

BLOOMFIELD, NJ- The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team suffered a tough 63-61 loss to Bloomfield College, Monday evening at the Bloomfield Gym. UDC fell to 3-3 on the season and Bloomfield improved to 1-4.

Latavia Jackson headlined the box score leading all scorers with 20 points while grabbing eight boards, three assists, and two steals. Halia Ellis, Kensley Benjamin, and Destiny Ryles all scored in the double figures contributing 10 points apiece.

The Bears made their way onto the scoresheet first but a 3 point jumper by Benjamin would give the Firebirds their first lead of the game which they would ride until the last couple of minutes of regulation.

UDC outscored Bloomfield 19-15 in the first quarter. The Bears then responded in the second quarter scoring 14 points while holding the Firebirds to just 11, making it a one-point game in favor of the Firebirds, going into the half.

The Firebirds heated things up the third, with Jackson taking the reigns scoring seven of their 16 points, extending the lead to seven points going into the final stretch.

The Firebirds led the Bears up until 1:50 left to go in the fourth quarter after Aiyana Ellis fouled out while sending Dashanique Ruffin to the line where she knocked down a couple of free throws to even out the score 54-54. With less than a minute to go Bloomfield would take their first lead of the game since the opening seconds after netting a 3 pointer.

Bloomfield was able to hold on to their lead defeating the Firebirds 63-61, picking up their first win of the season.

Next up UDC will head to N.Y. on Wednesday to open up Conference play against Molloy College. Tip-off is set for 5:00 pm.