UDC Wins 76-62 over Palm Beach Atlantic

FORT MYERS, FL: FEBRUARY 24, 2007--- The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds opened the first round of the Independent Schools Tournament with a 76-62 win over the Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish today in Fort Myers, Florida. Junior guard Frank Petersen (Silver Spring, MD) led the Firebirds to the win with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals, on 6-9 shooting.

Petersen opened the game’s scoring with a two-point jumper at the 19:47 mark. UDC proceeded to mount a series of runs in the first half to take a 40-27 lead into the break, out scoring Palm Beach Atlantic 64 percent (16-25) to 27 percent (8-29) in two-point field goals.

The Firebirds opened a 19-point lead in the second half, their biggest of the game when junior guard Justin Walker (Teaneck, NJ) took the ball on an assist from Frank Petersen to make a lay-up with 4:48 remaining in the game.

UDC took advantage of their second half fast break opportunities to score 10 points, and their bench out scored Palm Beaches’ 13-8. The Firebirds made 30-51 (59%) of their two-point field goals, 1-5 (20%) of their three-point shots, and 15-26 (58%) of their free throws for the game.

Joining Petersen in double figures for the Firebirds were junior forward Willie Shaw (Alexandria, VA) with 15 points, and 8 rebounds, junior guard Charlie Smallwood (Palmer Park, MD) 13 points, and Justin Walker with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Sean Tucker led all scoring with a game high 19 points for Palm Beach Atlantic.

With this win, the 18-7 Firebirds advanced to the second round of the Tournament and will play North Georgia State University on Sunday at 3 p.m.