St. Augustine's Edges UDC, 64-62

Raleigh, NC: January 24, 2010-- The University of the District of Columbia Firebirds Men's Basketball Team was edged by the St. Augustine's College Falcons, 64-62, tonight at Emery Gymnasium in Raleigh, North Carolina. St. Augustine's avenged an earlier 87-68 loss to the Firebirds and improved their record to 6-10, while UDC fell to 5-12.

UDC led the entire first half and increased their lead to 12 points when junior guard David Sanders (Information Technology-Upper Marlboro, MD) drained a three-pointer at 7:09 left in the first half. The Firebirds maintained their lead throughout the half and led at the break 35-34. However, they could not sustain the lead in the second half, as the Falcons outscored UDC 30-27.

The Firebirds shot 46 percent from the field (25-54), compared to the Falcons' 43 percent (23-54). Foul shooting and personal fouls was a factor as UDC was called for 24 fouls to Fayetteville's 19. This led to a 46 percent (16-35) conversion for the Falcons to 36 percent (5-13) for the Firebirds.

The Firebirds nearly pulled out the win when sophomore guard Brandon Ennis (Mass Media- Ontario, Canada) made a layup with 1:03 remaining to give them a 1 point lead (62-61). However, the Falcon's Darrell Glass was fouled twice down the stretch and made three free-throws to secure the win.

Junior guard Nigel Munson (Graphic Design-Washington, DC) led the Firebirds scoring with 15 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 block, followed closely by Brandon Herbert (Sociology-Baltimore, MD) and senior guard Tim Ellison (TV Broadcasting-Alexandria, VA) with 14 points apiece.

Two St. Augustine's players scored in double digits, led by Glass who posted a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds. Nick Chamblee added 12 points and 3 rebounds.

Next up for the Firebirds will be a re-match against Pfeiffer University at home on January 29, at 2 p.m. They defeated Pfeiffer 94-90 on January 12.