WASHINGTON, D.C.-The District of Columbia Firebirds defeated Puerto Rico-Bayamon 82-54 to win the National Independent Schools Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship Tuesday, February 26. A field of seven NCAA, Division II Independent Schools and one NAIA participated in the Tournament February 23-26.

Junior forward Desyhia Williams paced UDC to the Championship victory, scoring a season high 20 points and grabbing six rebounds, and being named Tournament MVP. Sophomore guard Nicole Cooper followed with 17 points and freshman forward Lillian McGill posted her 18th double-double of the season, scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

UDC held UPRB to 36% (20 for 56) fi eld goal shooting, while making 53% (36 for 68) of their two
point field goals and shot 45% (9 for 20) from behind the arch. The Firebirds took a quick 10 point lead at the start of the game with a 10-0 run on the strength of two 3-pointers from Nicole Cooper, before the Cowgirls put together a 6-0 run to bring the score to 12-9 at the 13:46 mark.

UPRB knotted the score at 20 at the 7:28 mark, before UDC regained the lead at 5:51 into the half before pulling ahead to go into the break leading 37-30.

The second half saw UDC gradually increase their lead to win the game with the score of 82-54.

Angelic Nieves led UPRB in scoring with 16 points, followed by Pamela Rosado with 14. They were
the only two Cowgirls to reach double figures.

UDC ended their season with a 21-8 record, while UPRB wrapped up their season at 20-4.

Other Tournament participants were Central State, Chowan, Columbia Union, Converse, Flagler and Trinity.

Named to the All-Tournament Team were Mahogany Wilson (Central State), A.J. Obannon (Chowan), Ashley Alexander (UDC), Devaughn Hailey (UDC), Lillian McGill (UDC) and Pamela Rosado (Puerto Rico-Bayamon).

(Source District of Columbia)