UDC Firebirds Upended by Washington Adventist Shock, 70-59

Takoma Park, MD: February 12, 2011-- In an exciting game, the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds Men's Basketball Team fell to the Washington Adventist University Shock 70-59, today, at the Pit in Takoma Park, Maryland. Adventist used a balanced scoring attack and rebounding to secure the win. With this loss, the Firebirds dropped to 8-14 overall, while the Shock improved to 7-13.

The fast- paced action saw the lead change 4 times and the score tied 5 times in the first half as the up-tempo game kept the spectators attention. Two Firebirds were in double figures during the game. Junior guard Brandon Herbert (Sociology- Baltimore, MD) led the Firebirds scoring with 16 points 2 rebounds 1 assist and 1 steal. Junior guard Nigel Munson (Graphic Design-Washington, DC) added 11 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist.

In the first half, the Firebirds shot 44 percent (15-36) from the field, 25 percent (2-8) from beyond the arc and 100 percent (3-3) from the charity stripe as they went into the break trailing 37-39. The Shock shot 35 percent (13-17) from the field, 31 percent (4-13) from beyond the arc and 82 percent (9-11) from the three-point line as most of the foul calls went against the Firebirds during the half.

Second half action saw the Shock increase their lead and extend it by as many as 14 points, they shot 40 percent (14-35) from the field to the Firebird's 21 percent (7-33).

The Firebirds shooting percentage was down significantly as they only shot 33 percent (23-69) from the field   for the game, 13 percent (2-16) from beyond the arc, but a solid 79 percent ( 11-14) from the charity stripe. The Shock shot 38 percent (27-72) from the field, 27 percent (6-22) from beyond the arc and 63 percent (10-16) from the free-throw line.

Four members of the Shock were in double figures, led by Eric Peguero with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.   Jamie Newton scored 15 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, dished out 8 assists and made 1 steal, while Branden Washington posted a double-double of 11 points, 16 rebounds. Antonio Ortega chipped in 10 points and pulled down 4 boards.

The Shock had a large advantage on the boards, pulling down 60 rebounds to the Firebird's 37, taking advantage of their second chance opportunities to score 17 points. The Firebirds held the advantage in bench points as they outscored the Shock 19 to 8.

The next game for the Firebirds will be at home against The Apprentice School Builders on February 16. They defeated the Builders 97-79 on February 2nd.