UDC Ends Losing Streak With, 81-79, Overtime Defeat of Kutztown University

Washington, DC: January 30, 2008--It took some extra time, but the UDC Firebirds found a way to end their recent frustration.  After playing their last three games on the road, the Firebirds were ready to play in front of their home crowd.  Led by their backcourt, UDC defeated the Kutztown Bears to end their two game losing streak.   Senior guard Frank Petersen (Silver Spring, MD) led the team, scoring 18 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. 

The Firebirds started the game hot, taking an early 7-2 lead.  Kutztown rallied to tie the game at 16 with 6:23 left in the first half.  UDC then went on a 14-7 run to lead 30-23 at halftime.   The second half began like the first half with UDC sprinting out to an early run, this time with a 8-2 run.  Most of these points came from the inside. 

Senior center Don Powell (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) started to come alive, scoring on a variety of jumpers and tipbacks.  He finished with 17 points and a team high 14 rebounds, his first career double-double.  His play helped UDC push the lead as high as 15 points. Three other Firebirds were in double figures including senior foreward Willie Shaw (Alexandria, VA) with 16 points, senior forward Antwon Hawkins (Mitchellville, MD) 13,  and senior guard Charlie Smallwood (Palmer Park, MD) with 11 points. 

Kutztown rallied, finally taking their first lead 61-60 with 2:43 left in the game.  The game went back and forth, with Kutztown taking a three point lead with 27 seconds left.  After a UDC timeout, Antwon Hawkins (13 points) knocked down the game tying 3-pointer with 14 seconds left.  Kutztown had another opportunity but Willie Shaw gathered a loose ball and the game went into overtime.

In overtime, UDC scored the first seven points and held on for the victory.  Dave Ben led Kutztown with 23 points while Ryan Washington added 19 points.  Next up for the Firebirds are the Columbia Union Pioneers, Saturday in Takoma Park, Maryland.