Rockville Centre, N.Y. (Jan. 24, 2018) - The Molloy women's basketball team was defeated by the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds, 63-59, Wednesday evening at Quealy Gymnasium. The Lions moved to 8-12 overall and 3-7 in East Coast Conference play. Freshman Melody Prichard netted a team-high 18 points, and freshman Gabriella Aspuru tallied a double-double (17 points and 13 rebounds) for the maroon and white.

The Lions jumped out to an early 5-0 lead on a basket by Aspuru and a three-pointer from Prichard. UDC (3-17, 1-9 ECC) scored nine of the next 11 points to take a 9-7 advantage. Sophomore Kathryn Gibson (seven points) hit a triple to put Molloy up 10-9, but the Firebirds scored six straight points to go ahead 15-10. Aspuru made a three to cut the away team's lead to 15-13 at the end of the opening frame.

The visitors scored the first five points of the second to bring its advantage to 20-13. With the score 26-19, the Lions ended the half on an 8-0 run, led by six points from Aspuru, to take a 27-26 lead into the break.

UDC went ahead 28-27 early in the third frame. The maroon and white scored five consecutive points to take a 32-28 lead. With the score knotted at 37, the Firebirds outscored the Lions 12-5 to take a 52-42 advantage after 30 minutes of play.

The Firebirds extended their lead to 59-46 with 7:35 left. The Lions netted nine straight points, led by five points from Aspuru, to make it a 59-55 contest. UDC brought its lead to 62-57. Freshman Abigail Duvivier (four points) made a layup to cut the advantage to 62-59, but that was as close as the home team would get.

Molloy returns to action Saturday, Jan. 27, when it travels to play St. Thomas Aquinas. Tip-off with the Spartans is slated for 1:00 p.m.