Mansfield Prevails, 85-82, Over UDC In Overtime

Mansfield, PA: January 23, 2008—Mansfield University was on a mission tonight, determined to win this home basketball game against the visiting University of the District of Columbia Firebirds. However, the Firebirds had a different idea in mind, as they were just as determined to snatch the win away, even while playing without their big man and leading scorer Willie Shaw, who was again suffering from an injury.

In the end, Mansfield prevailed, taking the win, 85-82, in overtime when John Hampton made two free throws with 10 seconds remaining in the game, after being fouled by UDC’s senior guard Frank Petersen (Silver Spring, MD) in a desperate effort to regain possession of the ball. With this loss, UDC falls to 9-6, while Mansfield improves to 12-5.

Four Mansfield players were in double figures, led by Kevin Hill with 24 points, followed by Chris Greene with 17, Yuseff Carr 13, and John Hampton with 10 points. UDC senior guard Justin Walker (Teaneck,NJ) came off the bench, once again, this time to score a game and season high 34 points to lead the Firebirds , with senior guard Charlie Smallwood being the only other team mate in double figures with 24 points.

Mansfield led most of the first half, going into the break with a 44-38 lead. UDC stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Mountaineers 39-33 and forcing overtime when Frank Petersen made a free throw with 39 seconds remaining in regulation to knot the score at 77. Mansfield scored 8 points to UDC’s 5 in overtime to get the win.

Mansfield shot 44% (27 for 62) in the win to UDC’s 38% (26 for 68).

UDC returns to action January 26, at Millersville University in Pennsylvania.