University of the District of Columbia Men’s Basketball Wins Second East Coast Conference Game Defeating St. Thomas Aquinas 72-60. Firebirds Advance to 9-1 on the Season.
Sparkill, NY – The University of the District of Columbia Men's Basketball defeated St. Thomas Aquinas College 72-60 today, winning its seventh game in a row and its second East Coast Conference (ECC) game of the season. The Firebirds were paced by three seniors scoring in double figures. With the win, UDC advances to 9-1, while the Spartans fall to 2-6.
UDC was paced by seniors Nigel Munson, Brandon Herbert, and DiShawn Bradshaw. Senior guard Brandon Herbert (Baltimore, MD – McDonogh School) led the Firebirds with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Herbert shot 41% from the field and 44% from three point range. Senior guard Dishawn Bradshaw (Baltimore, MD - St. Frances Academy) had 19 points to go along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Senior guard Nigel Munson (Washington, DC - DeMatha HS) tallied 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Firebirds also got a key performance from sophomore forward Ziad Ashmawy (Cairo, Egypt – American City College) who had 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
The game was tight in the early goings with UDC taking a 16-12 lead at the 9:22 mark in the first half. The Firebirds created a bit of a cushion from there, heading into halftime with a 37-20 lead. UDC used the first 5 minutes after intermission to build a hearty 56-28 lead. The Spartans did not go away, however, but they could never close the gap enough to get within striking distance. The closest St. Thomas Aquinas could get in the second half was the final margin of twelve. The Firebirds closed out the game 72-60.
The Firebirds now have a long layoff as they don't play another game for 20 days due to exams and winter break. UDC returns to action on December 30th at home against Dominican College at 2:00 pm.