UDC Defeats Cheyney, 78-68, for first win of season

Washington, DC: December 29, 2009-- The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds Men's Basketball Team came oh--- so close to victory in several close contests this season, but could not make the breakthrough. All of that changed this afternoon when they defeated the Cheyney University Wolves, 78-68, before hometown fans in the UDC Sports Complex.

 Junior guard Tim Ellison (Alexandria, VA) came off the bench to lead the Firebirds to the win with a game and career-high  32 points, 4 rebounds , 1 assist and 1 steal in 29 minutes of play. Ellison, playing in just his second game of the season, provided a spark for the Firebirds that carried them to the 10 -point win.

 Sophomore guard Nigel Munson (Washington, DC) joined Ellison in double figures with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists.  UDC Head Men's Basketball Coach Jeff Ruland said of the win, " We are happy for the win, but in retrospect are disappointed that it took so long.  We are trying to build something here and this is the first step. We will continue to improve and recruit quality student-athletes."

 The Firebirds led the entire way, going in to the break with a 28-23 margin. The teams were pretty close in the first half with UDC shooting 32 percent ( 9 of 28) from the field to Cheyney's 35 percent ( 7 for 20). The major difference was in shooting from beyond the arc as Cheyney shot 50 percent ( 3 of 6) and UDC only 18 percent ( 2 of 11).  Cheyney shot 75 percent ( 6 of 8) from the charity stripe in the half to UDC's 62 percent ( 8 of 13).

 Ellison scored 28 of his 32 points in the second half, going 3 for 6 from three point range and  making  9 of 12 in 2-point field goals. Munson also scored the bulk of his 19 points in the half,  delivering  12 points in the period.

 The Firebirds shot 41 percent ( 20 for 49) for the game to Cheyneys'  39 percent ( 22 for 56). UDC converted 71 percent  (32 of 45) of shots from the charity stripe while Cheyney connected with 59 percent ( 17 for 29).

 In double figures for the Wolves were Sharif Bray with 17 points, 5 rebounds , 2 assists and 1 steal, followed by Kevin Presbery with 16 points , 5 rebounds and 1 steal.  The game was very closely called, with three players from each team fouling out. Cheyney was unable to capitalize on their second chance opportunities (13 to 5) after out rebounding UDC 43 to 30.

 UDC returns to action on December 30, at 4 p.m.,  against Mansfield University in the second half of a double-header at the UDC Sports Complex. The UDC Women will play Millersville University in the first game at 2 p.m.