UDC Men Lose to Chowan University, 85-77

Murfreesboro, NC : February 21, 2009—Chris Kenon scored a game-high 31 points to lead the Chowan University Hawks to a, 85-77, victory over the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds this afternoon at the Helms Center in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. The Firebirds actually outshot the Hawks from the field 50% (30-60) to 44% (26-59), but fouls took their toll as UDC was hit with 26 (including two technicals) while Chowan was charged with 19, giving them a free throw advantage as they shot 75% (24-32) at the charity stripe.  Three Firebirds fouled out of the game.

In double figures for Chowan, in addition to Kenon, were Charles Rhodes, with 16, Mark Brown 14, and Jaleel Nelson with 10 points. UDC led  43-40 at the break, but were outscored 45-34 in the second half by Chowan, to pull out the win. Kenon scored 23 of his 31 points in the second half.

The Firebirds led most of the way until the closing seconds of the game when the Hawks tied the score at 77, on a three-pointer by Nelson, with 52 seconds remaining. Chowan then hit four free throws and a field goal down the stretch to take the win.

Sophomore guard Tim Ellison (Alexandria, VA) led the Firebird scoring with 22 points and two rebounds, and senior guard Kechan Myers added 15 points and four rebounds. Junior guard David Burton added 12 points and three rebounds.

UDC’s bench outscored Cowan’s 43-6, and the Firebirds scored 38 paint points to the Hawk’s 30. The score was tied five times and the lead changed twice.

UDC returns to the hard court on Thursday, February 26, at home against the Columbia Union College Pioneers for their final game of the season.