Bonner Scores a Career-High 30 Points as UDC Defeated Virginia Union, 70-64

Coach Butler gets 100th Career Win


Richmond, VA: December 11, 2010—The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds Women's Head Basketball Coach Lester L. Butler, Jr., reached a major milestone this afternoon when his team defeated the Virginia Union University Panthers, 70-64. Butler celebrated his 100th career victory as his team improved their season record to 6-3, at Stevens Barco Hall in Richmond, Virginia.

Junior guard Jamilia Bonner (Accounting-Mobile, Al) scored a career and game-high 30 points in the win, while grabbing 7 rebounds and making 4 steals. Bonner unleashed an awesome display of fire power in the second half of the game, scoring 21 of her 30 points in 19 minutes of play, while shooting 6 for 6 from the free-throw line and 24 of 63 from the field.

Senior guard Lillian McGill (Criminal Justice- Sumter, SC) joined Bonner in double figures, posting her 5th double-double of the season with a 15 point and a 17 rebound performance. Ten of her 15 points came in the first half as she kept the Firebirds in the game and helped them to the 33-29 first half lead.

Junior forward Stacy Griffith (Architecture- Fredericksburg, VA) scored 10 points while collecting 7 rebounds along with 2 blocks and 4 steals. Junior guard Kendra Johnson (Mass Media-Mt. Laurel, NJ) added 8 points, 2 rebounds and 4 steals in the defeat.

UDC led most of the game; although Virginia Union was able tie the game 4 times, while there were 7 lead changes. UDC held a 14 point lead in the second half before Virginia Union was able to cut the lead in the closing minutes to six before the game ended.

Kara Scott led Virginia Union scoring with 16 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal, followed by Leslie Slayton with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals.

UDC shot 38 percent (24-63) in field goals, 23 percent (3-13) from beyond the arc and 59 percent (19-32) from the charity stripe for the game. Virginia Union shot 47 percent (27-57) in field goals, 0 percent (0-0) from beyond the arc and 67 percent (10-15) from the charity stripe.

The Firebirds controlled the boards, grabbing 45 rebounds to Virginia Union's 35, scored 36 points off turnovers to Virginia Union's 19, and its bench outscored the Panthers 43-15.

The Firebirds move on to host its Holiday Classic, December 18 and 19. Their first Classic opponent will be New Haven College on December 18, at 3 p.m.