Firebirds Close Out Season With 87-58 Win Over Pioneers

Washington, DC: March 2, 2008—The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds ended their 2007-2008 season on a high note this afternoon by defeating the Columbia Union College Pioneers, 87-58, in the Physical Activities Center. UDC Head Men’s Basketball Coach Julius L. Smith, Jr., started five seniors on “Senior Day”, and senior forward Willie Shaw (Alexandria, VA), playing in his final game for the Firebirds, paced the team to the win with 19 points.

The following seniors played their final game as UDC Firebirds: Antwon Hawkins (Mitchellville, MD), Frank Petersen (Silver Spring, MD), Jerel Poteat, (Oxon Hill, MD), Don Powell (St. Elizabeth Jamaica), Willie Shaw and Justin Walker (Teaneck, NJ) brought their UDC playing career to an end. Five seniors scored in double figures including Shaw, followed by senior guard Charlie Smallwood (Palmer Park, MD) and senior guard Justin Walker (Teaneck, NJ) with 17 points apiece. Senior guards Frank Petersen (Silver Spring, MD) and Antwon Hawkins (Mitchellville, MD) scored 11 points each.

The Firebirds opened the game with a 19-0 run, then opened a 22-point lead at the 7:42 mark and went into the break leading 49-30. UDC shot 20 for 34 in the half for a 59% completion rate.

Columbia Union was only able to get as close as 13 points in the second half as UDC continued to pour it own, opening a 34 point lead with 9:13 remaining in the game. UDC relied on its seniors tonight as they broke open the game, putting the finishing touches on a fairly easy final game.

UDC shot 54% (36 for 67) in two point field goals and 67% (6 for 9) from the charity stripe, while CUC shot only 42% (25 for 60) in two point field goals, and 67% (6 for 9) from the free throw line.

Three Pioneers scored in double figures, led by Maurice Stallion with a game high 21 points, and Dana Clark and with 10 point apiece. Union ended their season at 2-24, while UDC concluded the season with a 14-8 record.