 |
| Quasim Jones led UDC with 23 points |
Give the UDC men's basketball team a lot of credit: They stuck with Division II powerhouse East Stroudsburg for 40 minutes, even without star guard Michael Terry (injured shoulder.) The Warriors (4-0) pulled away in the second half, outscoring UDC (0-2) 29-12 on their way to a 79-72 win before 300 at the University Sports Complex.
Senior point guard Quasim Jones led all scorers with 23 points, but finished with zero assists for the second game in a row: This simply has to change, if UDC wants to be successful this season. Junior Lenjo Kilo continued to shine, exploding for 18 points and 9 rebounds; but had six turnovers: Can you imagine what Kilo would be like with Dyrek Jones by his side? Don't be surprised to see Kilo develop into a star this season.
 |
| Lenjo Kilo just missed a double-double (18-9) |
The Firebirds were literally on fire to start the game, jumping out to leads of 11-4 and 21-12 behind Jones (13 points, 3 treys in 1st half) and freshman Reggie Sidbury (10 points, 2 threes.) UDC also outrebounded the visitors 17-13, while committing two less turnovers (6-8.) They also held the Warriors to just under 42% shooting, although East Stroudsburg shot lights out in the second half (59.3%) finishing at 50% for the game.
 |
| Frosh Reggie Sidbury added 16 points and 5 boards |
All-American junior guard Whis Grant led the Warriors with 18 points (5-8 from 3-pt) and five assists. Even more impressive, their bench outscored UDC's 28-2. That difference, along with UDC's inability to handle East Stroudsburg's full court press paved the way to victory. Plus, UDC's 0-3 2nd half shooting from long distance. If you're going to leave Sidbury in the corner all half, give him the ball once in a while.
To be frank, the Firebirds had no business being as close as they were. Head coach Mike Riley continues to impress, despite two losses to top programs at home. The Firebirds' aggressiveness in the first half was stellar; and should they find a way to sustain it for 40 minutes... the wins will come. UDC returns home on Wednesday to host Alderson-Broaddus (2-0) before opening conference play on the road vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (2-1) November 23rd.
Click here for yesterday's box score.
