Monday, February 25, 2019

Men's Basketball: UDC 76 Roberts Wesleyan 61

UDC's Zachary Olukanni led all scorers with 20 points

From our friends at UDC Athletics...

Firebirds Split Weekend Games to Stay in The ECC Tournament Race

On February 22nd, the University of the District of Columbia men's basketball team defeated East Coast Conference rival and pre-season favorite Roberts Wesleyan 76-61 Friday night at UDC Gym.

Junior guard Zachary Olukanni led the Firebirds offense, scoring 20 points on an efficient 7-12 shooting and he chipped in 9 rebounds. Senior guard Danny Shand played well off the bench, scoring 16 points, grabbing 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Despite being out-rebounded 41-35, the Firebirds still performed well behind solid defense. UDC caused 19 turnovers, which resulted in 25 points. The Firebirds led in points in the paint 40-26, fast break points 14-2, bench points 27-16, and second chance points 13-7.

Senior Danny Shand (#2) scored 16 points

The Red Hawks were led by Jean Toussaint, who almost finished with a double-double, falling just one rebound short. Toussaint scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Both teams shot the ball poorly from deep, shooting 28 percent; but it was the Firebirds who had a better shooting percentage on the day, shooting 45 percent from the field. The Firebirds (as a team) were 42 percent from the field, and shot a better 44 percent from behind the three-point line. Senior guard Quadire Truesdale played well defensively, grabbing three steals to go with his eight points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Jean Toussaint led the Red Hawks with 15 points

On February 24th, the Firebirds lost to Daemen 87-81 in a close game that came down to the last minute before a crowd that included the Boys and Girls Club of West Laurel, Maryland. The Firebirds were led by junior guard Kerry Kirkwood with 21 points. Senior guard Kevin Cox added 15 points, and senior guard Danny Shand pitched in 13 points off the bench.

Senior Kevin Cox scored 15 points vs. Daemen

The Firebirds will travel away to Rockville Centre, NY to face Molloy on Wednesday, February 27th at 5:00 PM in a pursuit to lock up a playoff spot.

Firebirds Head Coach Mike Riley

Click here for Friday night's box score.