UDC MEN EDGED, 78-73, BY NYIT IN OVERTIME

Old Westbury, NY: November 15, 2009-After trailing by as many as 16 points with 5:25 remaining in the game, the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds Men's Basketball Team fought back to knot the score at 71, with 7 seconds remaining in regulation time, before falling to the NYIT Bears, 78-73, in overtime. Sophomore transfer sensation Nigel Munson (Washington, DC) tied the game at 71, on a layup, to force the overtime period. 

It would not be enough, as the Bears prevented UDC Head Coach Jeff Ruland from winning his first game at the helm of the Firebirds. Although falling short of their ultimate goal to win the game, it was a sign of what's to come as this young squad refused to lie down and fought long and hard to reach that goal. They were disappointed, but unbowed in defeat.

Bear junior forward Jerrell Walker (Stockton, CA) led them to the win scoring 16 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Freshman guard Kayvon Roberts (Corona, NY) followed with 12 points and 9 rebounds, while teammate guard Anthony Clarke (Cambria Heights, NY) matched that with 12 points of his own and 4 rebounds. 

Sophomore forward Chris Leach (Washington, DC) led the Firebird scoring with a double double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. He was followed by Munson with 12 points and 4 rebounds. Keith Brooks, a freshman guard from Harlem, NY added 12 points of his own to the effort.

NYIT shot 47 (28-60) percent for the game, while UDC came up short on 39 percent (28-71) shooting. The Bears shot 59 (19-32) percent from the charity stripe, as the Firebirds trailed with 55 (11-20) shooting.

UDC led in points off turnovers 27-22, points in the paint 47-22, and fast break points, 9-8. NYIT's bench carried the day as their relief players came up strong with 31 bench points to the Firebird's 25.

Coach Ruland said, "I am disappointed with the outcome, but pleased overall that my young team responded as well as they did, given the circumstances. We will continue to build." 

UDC will see action again on November 18, at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.