WILMINGTON, Del. - - the University of the District of Columbia pulled away late in defeating the Wilmington University women's basketball team, 72-46, on Saturday, concluding the opening weekend of competition at the Joseph West Jones Center hosted by Goldey-Beacom.
The Firebirds (2-0) pulled away with a 20-4 fourth quarter, turning a 10-point deficit after the third quarter into the final score. The Wildcats had eight blocks in the contest.
Amber Washington hit a three-pointer and Aniyah Bond made a jumper to give the Wildcats a 7-4 lead in the first quarter, and then Mia Fuller and Trinity Brittingham made jumpers to give the Wildcats the lead once more in the opening frame. The Firebirds had the final free throw in the first quarter, tying the match, 15-15, after the opening 10-minutes.
The Firebirds scored the first eight points of the second quarter and never looked back, as Emani Lucas-Davis' layup with 4:43 left in the second quarter brought the Wildcats to within six, the closest they will get the rest of the contest. Aniyah Bond hit a three-pointer with nine seconds left, sending the Wildcats into the halftime break down 35-24.
Down 15 points late in the third quarter, Mia Fuller hit a three-pointer and Amber Washington made a jumper to bring the Wildcats to within 52-42 going into the final quarter of play.
The Firebirds opened the fourth quarter by scoring the first eight points, taking a 60-44 lead with 7:27 to play in regulation. They opened as large as a 20-point lead with four minutes to play before settling on the final score, 72-46. The Firebirds outscored the Wildcats, 20-4, in the fourth quarter to run away with the final score.
Mia Fuller came off the bench to score 10 points while adding four rebounds and four assists. Daja Claiborne, Aniyah Bond, and Trinity Brittingham each scored eight points while Brittingham added six rebounds and four blocks in the game. Amber Washington led the team with seven rebounds while adding four assists to go with five points.
The Wildcats make their home debut on Wednesday night, as they host Bowie State at the WU Athletics Complex. The opening tip is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday night.