UDC Wins Christmas Classic by Defeating Saint Leo, 93-58

Washington, DC: December 22, 2007—The 2007 Christmas holiday period got off to a very good start for the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds this afternoon when they won their Christmas Classic by defeating the Saint Leo Lions, 93-58, in the Physical Activities Center.   Senior forward Willie Shaw (Alexandria, VA) paced the Firebirds to the win with 22 points and 9 rebounds.

UDC led most of the game after two brief ties by Saint Leo very early in the game. The up-tempo game saw the Firebirds take a 15 point lead into the half-time break (45-30) on 55 % shooting ( 18 for 33) , while the Lions shot only 37 % (10 for 27).

The Firebirds continued their scoring pace in the second half, making 17 of 26 (65%) of their field goals. The Lions still could not break .500 in the half, making only 9-23 field goals (39%).

UDC shot 59% (35-59) for the game, to Saint Leo’s 38% (19-50). The Firebirds also improved their free throw shooting by making 70% (14-20) of their shots. UDC led in points made in the paint (44-24), bench points (28-8), second chance points (7-23), and points off turnovers (9-24).

The Firebirds had four players in double figures, including Shaw, senior guard Charlie Smallwood (Palmer Park, MD) 20 points, senior guard Frank Petersen (Silver Springs, MD) 18 points, and senior guard Justin Walker (Teaneck, NJ) with 15 points.

Three of the Lions also scored in double figures, led by Jordan Prais with 16 points, Kyle Rowland 11 points, and George Eshesimua with 10 points.

With this win, the Firebirds improve their season record to 6-2. They will return to action January 2, at home, against Millersville University.