 |
| Reggie Sidbury led UDC with 20 points, 4 treys and 3 blocks |
The UDC men's basketball team has had to battle injuries all season; but yesterday's contest with ECC rival LIU Post came dangerously close to unfair. The Firebirds were minus starters Zaid Ashmawy (foot,) Quasim Jones (migraines,) Michael Terry (shoulder) and key reserve Din Moore: That's an awful lot of fire power missing from a team, still trying to forge an identity under first year head coach Mike Riley. Despite being so shorthanded, UDC stayed with the Pioneers for most of the game, ultimately losing 75-62 in a game marred by turnovers (30 combined) and poor shooting (each team shot an identical 33.9% from the field.)
Look closer, and you could argue that the refs had plenty to do with UDC's 5th loss of the season (and third straight.) Evidence? Try more than double the amount of free throw attempts (34-15) a stat made even more compelling by the fact that UDC shot an incredible 14-15 from the charity stripe. Senior forward Vaughn Allen led all scorers with 23 points on 7-15 shooting, as well as eight rebounds. Overall, the Pioneers dominated the boards, out-rebounding UDC 50-35.
 |
| Prince Ritson led UDC with 6 assists |
UDC put up a valiant effort, racing out to a surprising 14-7 lead in the first 10 minutes. Junior Prince Ritson scored five points during that run, finishing the game with 10 points and a game-high six assists (with just two turnovers.) I'd love to see Ritson run the point more, with Jones & Terry on the wings. Points. Points. Points. Speaking of, freshman Reggie Sidbury came alive with 20 points (4-8 3-PTS) and a game-high three blocks. Junior transfer forward Lenjo Kilo continued to impress, scoring 15 points to go with seven rebounds (matching sophomore Clenso Brannon for team-high.) Even freshman guard Kevin Campbell got in on the act, scoring a career-high 9 points in 17 minutes off the bench.
 |
| Lenjo Kilo had another strong game (15 points, 7 rebounds) |
In the end, UDC couldn't put the ball in the basket with any kind of consistency: Spot starter Omar Abaas shot a dismal 1-9 from the field... this, just two games removed from hitting 4 of 5 three-pointers vs. St. Thomas Aquinas. Go figure.
Circle February 6th on your calendar: That's when UDC travels to Brookville, NY to play LIU Post again. If the Firebirds are healthy... I see a double-digit win for sure. Meanwhile, UDC visits cross town rival Bowie State on Wednesday; before returning home on Saturday to host conference foe Mercy at 1:00 PM.
Click here for yesterday's box score.
