Sunday, February 19, 2023

Men's Basketball: UDC 80 Staten Island 70

Sophomore Michael Aiken (#21) led UDC with 21 points

From our friends at UDC Athletics
...

Firebirds Extend Win Streak to Three; Keeps Hosting Dreams Alive

The University of the District of Columbia's men's basketball team defeated the College of Staten Island 80-70, to keep hopes of hosting the conference quarterfinal, alive. They improved their win streak to three, winning the last 7-10 games, and improving their conference record to 9-6. The Dolphins fell to 6-9 in league play and sits at 6th place in the standings.

Three Firebirds scored in the double-figures, with Michael Aiken coming off the bench to lead the way with 21. Aiken shot at an astounding 80% from the field, while grabbing nine defensive boards, five assists and two steals. Hartnel Haye recorded his fourth double-double of the season, off 20 points and 11 rebounds and Micah Campbell rounded out double-figure scoring with 12 points going 4-8 from the field. Jahmir Marable-Williams was all over the stat sheet, posting a game-high 10 assists, nine rebounds, seven points and three steals. Nicolaus Kenton also came off the bench as an impact player, making two big blocks to go along with six points.


The first half saw multiple ties and lead changes as both teams traded buckets. A 7-2 run by the Firebirds in the last two minutes gave them a 33-26 lead going into half-time.

Sophomore Hartnel Haye (#5) led all players with 11 rebounds

UDC turned up the heat in the second half shooting at 57.1% from the field, leading the entire way. The Dolphins did not make it easy however, as every time the Firebirds pulled away the Dolphins would heat up from behind the arc, cutting the deficit down to as little as four at the 10:50 mark. the home team held on and managed to increase the deficit to 10, to claim their third straight victory.

Junior Micah Campbell (#13) scored 12 points

UDC shot at 47.5% from the field compared to CSI's 37.5%. The Firebirds had 32 points in the paint compared to the Dolphins 18, and had 30 bench points compared to the visitors nine. CSI had the slight edge in rebounds 42-40 but both teams converted six second chance points.

Senior Jahmir Marable-Williams (#2) led all players with 10 assists

Next Up, UDC (11-13, 9-6 ECC) will be back in action Thursday night, hosting Roberts Wesleyan in their regular season finale, in which a win will secure them a hosting spot in the quarterfinals.

Senior Deonte Hicks (#3) started and scored 2 points

Click here for yesterday's box score.

Sophomore Tevin Curtis (#12) added 2 points

Another W for Head Coach Mike Riley

Chris Velasquez (#0) led Staten Island with 21 points