UDC FIREBIRDS DEFEAT JOHNSON & WALES 72-61 TO GARNER FIRST WIN OF SEASON

Fort Myers, Florida: The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds defeated the Johnson & Wales University Wildcats 72-61 this afternoon in the second round of the Independent Schools Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida to win their first game of the 2005-06 season. UDC restarted its basketball program this past fall after cancelling its 2004-05 season, and brought in new Head Coach Julius L. Smith, Jr., to rebuild the program.

Today, they tasted sweet victory and avoided a winless season. The lead in the game changed hands three times and UDC made a couple of runs of unanswered points in the first half , including a 17-0 run at the 4 minute mark to lead 34-17.

UDC hit 41.8 percent of their two point shots in the first half to Johnson & Wale’s 30.8, and took a 37-26 lead into the locker room at the break. UDC made 47.8 percent of their second half shots to Johnson & Wales  21.7. For the game, UDC made 44 percent of their shots to Johnson & Wale’s
25.

Leading the Firebirds to their first win was Jumaane Sorrells with 28 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Brian Isabelle scored 16 points, grabbed 6 rebounds , and dished out 3 assists. Frank Peterson had a double-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals, while Donnell Ellis scored 11 points, collected 4 rebounds, made 1 assist and 1 steal.

The Firebirds will play Claflin University in the third round of the Tournament on Saturday, and return to Washington to take on the defending 2005 NCAA Division II National Champion Virginia Union University Panthers at home on Wednesday, February 22, for their final home game of the season.