BOWIE STATE BULLDOGS TOO MUCH FOR UDC FIREBIRDS TO HANDLE

Bowie, Maryland: The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds found themselves in what are now becoming all too familiar circumstances when they faced the Bowie State University Bulldogs tonight at Bowie. The under manned Firebirds stayed close to the Bulldogs in the opening minutes of the game in this annual cross town rivalry, but couldn’t keep up with the bigger, more seasoned Bulldogs losing to them by the score of 54-78.

Bowie’s bench scored 21 of their points and made it impossible for UDC to catch-up once they began substituting liberally. UDC had only seven players available tonight, and simply could not match the stronger Bulldogs in putting points on the board.

The Bulldogs (10-4) took a 39-28 lead into the locker room at the half-time break. They hit 48% of their 2-point field goals, and 50 % of their 3-point shots in the first half. The Firebirds hit only 26% of their 2-point shots and 33% of their 3-point attempts during that half.
Bowie shot 49% for the game, while UDC shot 28%. The lead changed 2 times, both early in the game.

Thomas Hawkins led the Bulldogs scoring 18 points, followed by Ray Akinola with 15 points. Derick Payne and Magnus St. Ange each scored 11 points. Jumaane Sorrells paced the Firebirds with 26 points, while Donnell Ellis added 10 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, giving him his first double double of the season. UDC (0-11), will play their next game on January 12, against St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina.